Playing in Europe is one of the biggest dreams of any Nigerian footballer, but many are comfortable with their decision to continue plying their trade on the domestic scene
Katsina United coach Henry Makinwa has revealed that contrary to popular opinion, Nigeria Professional Football League players are well-paid; hence they prefer staying in the country to joining small European clubs where they would be owed salaries.
Nigeria have footballers in some of Europe’s top sides, including Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Leicester City’s duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo, Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo, and Udinese’s William Troost-Ekong among others.
Aside from that handful of Super Eagles stars, the majority of Nigerian born players play in the less-fancied leagues of lowly European nations where they are paid peanuts whenever they are lucky enough to get paid as at when due.
In a chat with Brila FM, coach Makinwa hinted that many home-based stars are not encouraged by the plights of their compatriots who failed to make the grade overseas.
He also disclosed that the ones who chose to remain in the local league have little regrets as their pay package is sufficient to make them live comfortably.
“Right away, Nigerian players are highly paid compared to the values of the local currency, they are well paid,” the astute tactician said.
“Average Nigerian players’ salaries are between three hundred thousand, eight hundred thousand, and there are some that get one million naira.
“If a player tells you he will not go abroad to play, that’s because he is happy with what he earns, and it is highly encouraging.”
Coach Makinwa guided Katsina United to the 10th position on the NPFL table before the league was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic after Game Week 25.