Nigeria, June 26 -- As Africa's last representatives, Mamelodi Sundowns, bowed out of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup with a goalless draw against Brazilian champions Fluminense on Wednesday, attention quickly turned to the glaring absence of Nigerian clubs from the prestigious tournament.

While North and Southern African giants like Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance flew the continent's flag in the United States, Nigeria-once a dominant force in African club football-was notably missing.

The conversation sparked by this absence reached a peak when Super Eagles legend Ahmed Musa voiced his concern on social media, calling for deep reforms in Nigerian football.

His comments resonated widely, bringing renewed focus on a tim...