NPFL: Short-term signings hindering clubs performance in Africa – Zubair

Former Flying Eagles tactician Aliyu Zubair has highlighted key reasons why Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs struggle to advance beyond the group stages of continental tournaments.

Zubair warned that NPFL clubs will keep facing difficulties in these competitions unless they abandon the habit of signing players on short‑term deals.

He argued that clubs aspiring to succeed on the continent must keep a core group of players together for longer periods.

According to Zubair, such continuity would foster greater cohesion and mutual understanding within the squad.

“We will continue to struggle in continental competitions unless we change our orientation towards short‑term signings,” Zubair told Kwara SWAN’s Sports Hard Talk programme on Wednesday.

“In other African clubs, players are signed for three to four seasons, giving them the opportunity to play together for a long period. This gives them an advantage over clubs here in Nigeria.”

Rivers United and Rangers are set to compete in the CAF Champions League next season, while Shooting Stars and the winner of the 2026 President Federation Cup will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup.