Nigerian international striker, Odion Jude Ighalo, has opened up on why he is unlikely to feature in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) before hanging up his boots, citing poor infrastructure, lack of professionalism, and player welfare as some of the key deterrents.
The former Manchester United and Watford forward made this revelation during a recent media interview where he expressed deep concern over the current state of domestic football in Nigeria. According to Ighalo, while playing for a club in the NPFL would be a great way to give back to the country that nurtured his talent, the prevailing conditions in the league make it an unviable option for professional athletes who are used to a certain standard.
“I want to play at home, but the structure isn’t there”
“I would have loved to play in the NPFL, even if just for a season,” Ighalo said. “It would be an honour to wear the jersey of a local club and connect with the fans on home soil. But the reality is, the structure is just not there yet. The welfare of players, the quality of pitches, the management of the league – these are serious issues.”
The 34-year-old striker, who recently completed a stint with Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, said he had followed developments in Nigerian football closely over the years, and while he acknowledged some progress, he noted that there was still a long way to go before the league could attract or retain top talent.
“I watch our league and I see talent—raw, natural talent that can rival what you see in Europe. But there’s little investment in grooming it. If I’m to play in a league, even in my retirement, it has to be a system where I can function professionally,” he added.
Concerns over player treatment and salaries
Ighalo didn’t hold back when discussing the conditions many NPFL players endure, including delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, poor accommodation, and a lack of medical support. He recalled hearing first-hand accounts from colleagues and friends still involved in the domestic league and said their experiences have been deeply troubling.
“How can you expect a professional footballer to give 100% when he hasn’t been paid for months? Or when he trains on a sandy pitch and travels by road for 10 hours to play a match? It’s heartbreaking because these players have families and dreams too,” he said.
He noted that while passion for the game can sustain young talents for a while, it is ultimately unsustainable without proper structures. “Passion alone can’t keep you going when your bills aren’t paid and your health is at risk. There has to be commitment from club owners, league administrators, and the government.”
A call for reform
Despite his reservations, Ighalo was quick to clarify that he was not trying to disparage Nigerian football but was instead calling for urgent reform. He stressed the need for transparency, investment in infrastructure, better funding, and improved management across all levels of the NPFL.
“We have the potential to make our league one of the best in Africa, even the world, if we get it right. Look at what countries like South Africa and Egypt have done. Their leagues are attractive because of good organization and solid planning,” Ighalo said.
He also emphasized the importance of treating local players with dignity, giving them the same respect and support accorded to their counterparts abroad.
“Let’s value our players here at home the way we celebrate those abroad. The same respect we give to the Super Eagles should trickle down to our league players. They deserve better,” he noted.
Still open to mentoring and investing in Nigerian football
Although Ighalo may not feature in the NPFL, he said he remains committed to supporting Nigerian football through other means. The striker runs a football academy in Lagos, where he trains and mentors young players, offering them a path to professionalism.
“I may not wear the jersey of a local club, but I will continue to give back. Through my academy, I want to create opportunities for young boys to get exposure and training that can help them go farther than I did,” he said.
He also expressed a willingness to invest in local football development, provided there is accountability and a clear vision. “If the right people are managing the league and there’s a plan, I’ll be the first to support it financially or otherwise,” Ighalo promised.
A reality check for Nigerian football authorities
Ighalo’s candid remarks have sparked debate across Nigerian football circles, with many echoing his sentiments about the need for urgent reform in the NPFL. Fans, analysts, and former players have praised him for speaking out, saying his views reflect the frustration of many stakeholders in the game.
For now, while fans may continue to hope for a day when Ighalo graces a Nigerian stadium in league action, the veteran striker remains firm on his stance—playing in the NPFL may not be a realistic option under the current circumstances.
As one of Nigeria’s most successful forwards in recent years, his words serve as both a wake-up call and a challenge to those in charge of the country’s football administration: fix the system, or risk losing the very heroes it helped create.
