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Former Super Falcons star Stella Mbacho has identified the mass exodus of Nigerian players to European leagues as the primary reason local clubs struggle to win the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Speaking on Brila FM, she praised Edo Queens for finishing fourth in the competition but pointed out systemic challenges.
“Our players used to stay in Nigeria without going outside. But now, after scoring seven or eight goals, they’re off to foreign clubs in Europe.”
“This weakens the local teams because the replacements are often not as experienced,” Mbacho explained.
She lamented the lack of consistency in Nigerian club sides, citing player turnover as a recurring issue:
“Most of the problems we have are that after players score three or four goals, they leave, and the teams start searching for replacements.”
“This is why Nigerian clubs find it difficult to win the CAF Champions League.”
“Edo Queens tried, but they couldn’t reach the final. It’s football. One day, we’ll get it right. The time is coming.”
Stella Mbachu explained the importance of player retention and the need for sustainable structures within Nigerian women’s football will help to compete effectively on the continental stage.
