Nkechi Obi suggests Italian model to fix Nigerian football

Former head of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has proposed adopting an Italian approach to rebuild football in Nigeria. Speaking on the 'Inside Naija Sports' programme on NTA News 24, the sports consultant argued that the country needs a professionalised management structure to reverse recent declines.

Obi noted that the Super Falcons' failure to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup is not an isolated incident. She pointed out that the Super Eagles, the under-20 men's team, and the under-17 side have all failed to qualify for their respective international competitions. She described this as a deep crisis where every national team is currently struggling to reach major tournaments.

According to Obi, the root cause of these failures is a faulty foundation. She compared the current state of Nigerian football to a house built on sandy soil, suggesting that the country has prioritised short-term success over long-term stability for 50 years. She argued that ignoring small issues has allowed them to grow into much larger problems that now threaten the entire system.

To fix the situation, Obi suggested looking at the example set by Italy. She explained that in Italy, professionals took control of football roles to implement their own methods, despite political interference. She believes a similar shift toward professional management is necessary for Nigeria.

Obi also recommended a change in the football management pyramid. She advocated for a structure where a wide base of support exists to help develop talent. Her proposed solutions include establishing a solid foundation, addressing problems as soon as they arise, and providing better welfare packages for athletes.