Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has delivered a blunt assessment of football in West Africa, citing poor salaries, weak administrative structures and inadequate infrastructure as key factors holding the region back.
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The former Enyimba shot-stopper said domestic leagues across West Africa fall short of the standards seen in South Africa, North Africa and Europe.
Speaking to Brila FM, Nwabali, currently a free agent, explained that the exodus of talent from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and neighbouring leagues is driven more by economic survival than a lack of patriotism.
“In West Africa, our leagues are not good enough. We want to go to Europe, we want to go to South Africa, and we want to go to Morocco,” he said.
He identified poor wages and the inability of many clubs to offer stable, professional contracts as major drivers pushing players abroad.
According to Nwabali, financial insecurity remains the biggest concern, with many players unable to rely on consistent income due to limited sponsorship and poor organisation.
“If the league is good, salaries are guaranteed, and there are sponsors, why would a player leave?” he added.
The 29-year-old also pointed to deficiencies in infrastructure and management, noting that the gap in facilities and professionalism compared to other regions makes it difficult for players to remain in West Africa.
He highlighted the standards set by leagues such as South Africa’s Premier Soccer League and Morocco’s Botola Pro as benchmarks that West African competitions are yet to meet.
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