Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has called on Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs to urgently overhaul how they pay and treat players, warning that poor conditions are driving talent out of the country.
In a chat with Brila FM, Oliseh stressed that fair wages are not just a matter of goodwill but a business necessity. “Football is a player’s livelihood — it’s how he pays his bills, feeds his family, and plans his future,” he said.
The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund star noted that even modest salaries, when paid consistently, can make a huge difference. “Even $1,000 — when you convert it to naira, it’s substantial. Back in my playing days, we were never owed for a month. The pay might have been small, but it came on time. People built homes and raised families through steady savings.”
Oliseh argued that if Nigerian clubs want to retain their best players, they must make the league conducive and financially stable. “Don’t blame players for wanting to feed their families. Put yourself in their shoes. If you don’t provide for your wife, she will complain,” he added.
His message to club owners is clear: fix the financial structure, or keep watching your stars leave.
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