A FIFA-licensed football agent and sports marketing consultant, Dr. Drew Uyi, has attributed the inability of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs to consistently win away matches to deep-rooted structural challenges within the country’s football ecosystem rather than a lack of talent among players.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Uyi said several factors continue to undermine the competitiveness of clubs when they travel for league fixtures. He explained that disparities in stadium infrastructure and playing conditions across the country have a significant impact on player performance and match outcomes.
According to him, many teams struggle to adapt to poor playing surfaces, inadequate training facilities and inconsistent stadium standards, making it difficult to maintain the same level of performance achieved in home matches. He argued that football should be decided by tactical ability and player quality rather than by the condition of the playing environment.
Uyi also identified travel logistics and player welfare as major obstacles. He noted that long road journeys, poor transportation arrangements, inadequate accommodation and limited recovery time often leave players physically exhausted before matches. He stressed that modern football demands better travel planning, sports science and recovery programmes to ensure athletes perform at their best regardless of venue.
The football expert further pointed to the psychological mindset of players as another contributing factor. He said many teams approach away fixtures with a defensive mentality, focusing primarily on avoiding defeat instead of playing positively to secure victories. Such an approach, he noted, often limits attacking opportunities and reduces the chances of earning maximum points on the road.
To address the challenge, Uyi called for greater investment in football infrastructure, improved logistics, enhanced player welfare and the adoption of modern sports science practices. He also urged clubs to cultivate a winning mentality that encourages confidence in both home and away matches.
He expressed optimism that tackling these structural issues would improve the competitiveness of the NPFL, enhance the quality of football across the country and better prepare Nigerian clubs for continental competitions. According to him, sustainable reforms will ultimately create a more balanced league where teams can compete fairly regardless of venue.
Reasons Why NPFL Clubs Struggle To Win Away Matches —FIFA Agent
