By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Former Stationery Stores captain and junior international, Taiwo Oloyede, has called for structural reforms, improved players’ welfare and strategic recruitment of foreign talents to restore Nigerian clubs’ competitiveness in African football.
Oloyede, 63, who represented 12 clubs in the domestic league, made the call following Enugu Rangers’ elimination from the CAF Champions League, urging Nigerian clubs to rebuild on the foundations that once made them formidable opponents on the continent.
The former midfielder, now a coach, cited the successful eras of Enyimba and Stationery Stores as examples of what Nigerian clubs could achieve through sound administration, quality recruitment and sustained investment in player development.
He advocated recruiting talented footballers from other African countries, stressing that quality foreign signings need not come exclusively from Europe.
“It’s time we returned to the Enyimba and Stationery Stores era by looking beyond our shores and bringing in quality foreign players. They don’t necessarily have to come from Europe; other African countries have plenty of talented players who can strengthen our teams,” he said.
Oloyede also emphasized the need for improved players’ welfare, attractive incentives and a supportive environment to motivate footballers to perform at their best.
He cited Julius Berger during the era of Chief Daniel Idama as an example of a club that recognized the importance of rewarding players for their contributions.
“We also need to improve players’ welfare and introduce attractive incentives to motivate them. Clubs like Julius Berger, during the era of Chief Daniel Idama, understood the importance of motivation and rewarding players for their efforts,” he added.
According to him, reviving Nigerian club football requires a deliberate approach that combines effective administration, competitive squads, adequate welfare packages and sustained investment in performance.
“These are some of the measures our clubs need to embrace if they want to compete effectively and achieve success in continental competitions,” Oloyede said.
The former Stationery Stores skipper brings considerable experience to the discussion, having featured for 12 domestic clubs, won multiple honours in Nigerian football and earned a silver medal at the WAFU U-20 level.
He also holds a special place in Stationery Stores’ history, having captained his boyhood club.
Oloyede maintained that Nigerian clubs must strengthen their structures, recruit intelligently and prioritise players’ welfare if they hope to compete consistently with Africa’s leading teams.
