Owner of Remo Stars Football Club, Kunle Soname, has spoken candidly about the financial realities limiting Nigerian clubs’ ability to compete with their South African counterparts, emphasizing that lack of adequate funding remains a major obstacle in domestic football.
Speaking during a recent media interaction, Soname lamented that the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) operates on a budget far below that of leagues in Southern Africa, making it increasingly difficult for local teams to attract or retain top talent.
“There isn’t enough money in our league to compete. Lack of funding is a major concern,” Soname said.
He explained that while the NPFL continues to produce talented players, the financial disparity between Nigerian and South African clubs heavily tilts the competitive balance.
“Players in the Nigerian Premier League earn ₦500,000, ₦700,000, or maybe a maximum of ₦800,000 monthly. Meanwhile, you’re playing against clubs where players earn $4,000 to $5,000. On the balance of probabilities, they will beat you seven out of ten times because they have better-quality players,” he stated.
Soname further highlighted the challenge of player retention, noting that many of Nigeria’s most talented footballers leave the league each season in search of better financial opportunities abroad.
“Nigerian clubs can’t retain their best players every season. The best players in our league today won’t be here next season — those teams will come and buy them. So, how do you expect us to compete?” he asked.
His remarks underscore broader concerns about the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigerian football in continental tournaments. Despite efforts by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to attract sponsorships and improve player welfare, clubs continue to struggle with funding gaps, inadequate infrastructure, and limited commercial investment.
Industry analysts believe Soname’s comments reflect a wider call for increased private sector involvement and policy reforms to strengthen local football, enhance financial stability, and make the NPFL more globally competitive.
Remo Stars, based in Ikenne, Ogun State, have been among the more progressive clubs in recent years, known for their modern facilities, youth development programs, and disciplined management. However, as Soname’s remarks reveal, financial imbalance remains a significant hurdle in Nigerian clubs’ quest to dominate African football.
