A major reason why Nigeria has been unable to produce star players in the last ten years is because players today leave Nigeria too soon for professional career abroad. This contrasts with the 90s where players, who left the domestic league, were already developed. They were at the peak of their game and were  regulars in the National Team even as home based (The 1990 AFCON Eagles was 97% home based).  As a result, they easily broke into the first eleven in their European clubs.  Being already at the top of their game meant that their confidence level was high, making it more likely for them to succeed in Europe. Also, being more matured, they were able to deal better with cultural issues in Europe than they would have otherwise.

Another reason, of course, is that the domestic league was much stronger in the 90s, even though nobody called it the "Premier League" then. Okocha, Amokachi, Kanu, Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Tijani Babangida, Celestine Babayaro, name them, they were all developed players before they transited  to Europe. Today, players have no sooner cut their teeth than they'd jump on the first Europe-bound boat (call it whatever you will), resulting in many wasted talents.  Nigerian players of today find it difficult to succeed, or only achieve moderate and average success because of this.  Players that did a similar thing in the late 80s and the 90s had their careers ruined  similarly.  You'd remember players like Fatai Atare, Philip Osondu, Oladimeji Lawel, Chris Ohenhen, Chris Nwosu and the like. These players had great promise but frittered it away through ill-timed move to European clubs.

Please, discuss.