As the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup progresses without a single Nigerian team in sight, football fans are left reflecting on a time when Nigeria’s club football was among the best in the world—led by the unforgettable dominance of Enyimba International Football Club in the early 2000s.
While top African sides like Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance are competing in the global tournament, Nigeria—once a continental powerhouse—is missing. The absence has stirred debate, especially after Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa publicly called for urgent reforms in Nigerian football.
A Golden Era in Nigerian Club Football
In the early 2000s, Enyimba FC, known as The People’s Elephant, brought pride to Nigeria. The Aba-based club achieved the unthinkable by winning the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004, becoming the first Nigerian club to do so back-to-back.
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Under the leadership of Kadiri Ikhana and Okey Emordi, Enyimba’s tactical discipline and homegrown talents dominated the continent. They also lifted the CAF Super Cup in both years, firmly establishing themselves as Africa’s best.
Despite the irregular scheduling of the FIFA Club World Cup during that time, Enyimba were widely regarded as a world-class team—ranked among the top 30 clubs globally.
New Format, Same Absence
The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup features an expanded 32-team format, offering more opportunities for African representation. Yet, no Nigerian club made the cut, underlining the growing gap between Nigerian football and the rest of the continent.
While Enyimba recently featured in the CAF-backed African Football League (AFL), their early exit against Wydad Casablanca signaled that their former dominance is now a distant memory.
Root Causes: Why Nigeria Is Falling Behind
Nigerian football continues to suffer from:
Poor funding
Weak administrative systems
Inadequate infrastructure
Lack of development at grassroots level
These persistent challenges have left Nigerian clubs lagging far behind their North and Southern African counterparts.
Time for a Reset
Reacting to Nigeria’s continued absence from top-tier tournaments, Ahmed Musa urged stakeholders to overhaul the football system—from youth development to club management.
Enyimba’s golden era is proof that Nigeria has what it takes to compete globally. The question is: will the nation act before the next opportunity slips away?
