Nigeria League must undergo structural changes to produce top players for National Teams" - Henry Makinwa
Following series of backlash that trailed the invitation of just three home based players into the 40 man provisional list that will justle for the final cut for the African Cup of Nations next year, former Super Eagles player, Coach Henry Makinwa had given his take on the ongoing discussion.
Makinwa allayed that the present structure of of Nigerian clubs and administration of the league will find it difficult to produce top players for the senior national teams
Henry Makinwa who was a former Coach of Katsina United and Abia Warriors stated this while featuring in one of the leading WhatsApp groups in Nigeria Sports World Platform during their weekly program tagged Super Interview which was co-hosted by Sunday Agunbiade and Admin Secretary, Ottasolo FC Lagos, Wale Oyekanmi, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
The Pro UEFA Licence Coach noted that the present salary structure of our league players is too small and it's enough reason to make them run to obscure league.
The Spain based gaffer added that Football is pay per play and players have limited time to gather money to sustain their future.
Alluding to old days where players Ike Shorounmu, Alloy Agu, Edema Fuludu, Mutiu Adepoju, Finidi George, Abiodun Baruwa, Rashidi Yekini were spotted in the league.
"That was when good players were used to stay as much as three (3) years unlike now when after spending a season they run to obscure league for better welfare package".
The former ABS coach also referenced Aboutrika And Hossam Hassan who were collecting $4000 in their respective clubs in Egyptian league during their playing time said our clubs found it difficult to even pay $2000 for the players as at then.
In his words: "In Egypt, clubs like Al-Ally, Zamalek will continue to produce players for their national teams. Take for instance, players like Aboutrika Hossam Hassam were receiving $4000 while our clubs back then could not pay $2,000, then, you can guarantee such league to have a consistent players".
"Another point is five players that won the league ran to less fancied league following season to break even ahead their future. Therefore, our league needs a structural change to produce top players", he posited.
"It's very sad we didn't have so many home based players. We don't have continuity in our league. They all want to go abroad for better welfare package.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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