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2025/2026 CAF Champions League: Soname Laments Financial Struggles of Nigerian Clubs

Posted : 28 October 2025
Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname criticizes the lack of funding in Nigerian football.

Kunle Soname, owner of Remo Stars, Nigeria’s 2024/2025 league champions, has revealed the financial difficulties that hinder Nigerian football clubs from competing effectively against wealthier South African sides. His remarks come after Remo Stars were eliminated from the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League following a 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Sky Blue Stars had previously lost the first leg 5-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, leaving them with a 7-1 aggregate loss. Nuno Santos opened the scoring for Sundowns in the 20th minute, with Peter Shalulile adding a second goal just before halftime.

Soname spoke candidly about the financial disparities between Nigerian and South African clubs. He emphasized that insufficient funding affects player salaries, squad depth, and overall competitiveness. “There isn’t enough money in our league to compete. Lack of funding is a major concern,” he said.

He further explained the stark difference in salaries: “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 7 out of 10 times because they have better-quality players.”

Soname also lamented the inability of Nigerian clubs to retain their top talents. “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 added.

His comments underscore the urgent need for increased investment and structural reform in Nigerian football to restore the competitiveness of NPFL clubs on the African stage.

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