Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, believes the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), is losing its best talents too quickly because clubs are failing to provide players with the financial stability needed to build sustainable careers.
Concerns surrounding the quality and competitiveness of the NPFL resurfaced after the home-based Super Eagles crashed out at the group stage of last year’s African Nations Championship, leaving many Nigerians questioning the overall standard of the domestic league.
Over the years, a familiar pattern has emerged in Nigerian football. Once a player enjoys a breakthrough campaign in the NPFL, interest quickly arrives from clubs in other African leagues or lesser-known European divisions, with many opting to leave in search of better wages and improved working conditions.
Oliseh, a former Super Eagles’ head coach, who began his professional career with Julius Berger FC, explained that financial security remains the biggest reason players continue to leave the Nigerian top flight.
“Look, football is a business, it’s what he uses to pay his bills, feed his family, plan his future,” the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner told Brila.
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“Even if it’s 1,000 dollars, if you multiply it by Naira, it’s a lot of money. When we were playing, there was never one month that they owed us. It might be small, but we were paid on time,” he said.
On how to arrest the persistent exodus of players abroad, the former Ajax midfielder suggests the way forward.
“People built a family with that money with consistent savings. If you want players to stay in Nigeria, ensure the league is conducive and okay.
“Don’t blame people who try to feed their families; put them in your shoes. If you don’t feed your wife, she will complain,” Oliseh, who spent just one season at Julius Berger FC before departing for Belgian outfit RFC Liege, added.
