We have the potential — Ahmed Musa lists what NPFL has do to reach Club World Cup standard

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa used the performance of African teams as a reference point to call for the improvement of the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

Musa is currently in his third stint in the league. Having also experienced football in Europe and Asia, he holds a unique position to speak about the league. 

With four African teams playing in the Club World Cup currently – Egypt’s Al Ahly, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Morocco's Wydad Casablanca and Tunisia’s Esperance – Musa worries about how the NPFL compares to those clubs.  

While Al Ahly have only picked up a point in two games, which came against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Wydad showed teeth against Manchester City, Esperance have three points from two matches, and Sundowns played a seven-goal thriller against Dortmund after beating South Korea's Ulsan in the group opener. 

The former Leicester man’s reaction seemingly came after seeing Sundowns’ impressive performance against German powerhouse Dortmund, leading him to put out a lengthy tweet, calling for a rethink of the NPFL. 

“I have been following the FIFA Club World Cup and my focus has been on the African clubs in the tournament,” Musa tweeted. “Apart from the excitement, the tournament is a money-spinner for the African clubs. 

“It's a sober reflection if we compare the African clubs at the Club World Cup to our domestic league, the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“Can we compete at this level? What are we not getting right? We need to review the organisation of the League, clubs' structure, and funding. We need to set out new policies and drive the reforms. 

“The NPFL is not lacking in potential; our football has got abundance of talent and potential from the grassroots to the elite level, but these factors aren't enough in a modern football system. 

“We must collectively decide to make our football work, which will ensure that our clubs compete at the continental and world level.

“What about the referees and officiating? Other African countries are producing referees for CAF and FIFA tournaments, but what do we have here?

“We must work hard to ensure our football meets the global standard and organisation. Wishing all the African countries at the FIFA Club World Cup success.”