Oliseh calls for better salaries and better welfare in the NPFL to stop the exodus of players

Abayomi Ademola

Former Super Eagles coach and ex-international Sunday Oliseh has called for better salaries and greater welfare for players in the Nigerian Professional Football League, stressing that fair treatment is key to retaining talent within the national game.

In an interview with Brila FM, Oliseh said poor remuneration and working conditions continue to push Nigerian players abroad in search of financial stability and better career prospects.

“Look, football is a business, it’s what you use to pay your bills, feed your family and plan your future.

“Even if it’s $1,000, if you multiply it by Naira it’s a big amount of money. When we were playing, they never owed us a month; it may be little, but they paid us on time.

“People started a family with that money and with constant savings. If you want the players to stay in Nigeria, make sure the league is conducive and good.

“Don’t blame people for trying to feed their family, put them in your place. If you don’t feed your wife, she will complain,” Oliseh said.

The former midfield maestro further noted that timely payment and improving the league structure during his playing days helped players build stable lives, and urged administrators to restore that level of professionalism to the domestic league.

Oliseh maintained that improving conditions in the NPFL would not only reduce player migration but also strengthen the competitiveness and long-term development of the league.