News

Why I would play in the Nigerian Premier Football League – Odion Ighalo

The Nigerian Premier Football League recently dropped 20 places in the latest ranking by IFFHS

Al Hilal SFC forward, Odion Ighalo, has relayed conditions to make him play at the Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL.

According to the former Watford player, he would only retire in Nigeria’s domestic league if there is maximum security in the country and the league.

The league, which had been ranked 57th in 2019, dropped 20 places in the latest ranking by IFFHS with a point accumulation of 165.5 points, as well as 10th in Africa.

This can be rightly revealed to have been a result of the running of the football league, with poor officiating and level of some corrupt practices which has eaten up the reputation of the league.

However, the league has continued to be devilled with hooliganism on and off the pitch. Last season it witnessed the beating of even a Nigerian journalist by Shooting Stars players.

This could be agreed that such an act would not have happened if there were to be maximum security on and off the stadium.

The former Manchester United player has, however, revealed the possibilities of foreign players coming down to play in the league while discussing on NaijaMade (Supersport)

“Our players abroad can come back to Nigeria, but security must be improved upon,” he said.

It is safe to assert that the Nigerian league has not had enough funding in the interim. However, Ighalo revealed this in his chat.

“The League (Nigerian Premier Football League) must be well organized. A lot of money will be pumped into the game, and matches should be on television,” he said.

The Nigerian star started his career for Julius Berger FC before moving to the European league, where he has netted 150 career goals in 354 domestic league appearances for ten clubs.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

“I truly believe it” -Éric Chelle optimistic about Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, is confident he can lead the three-time… Read More

36 minutes ago

“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles… Read More

2 hours ago

Super Eagles’ new boss Eric Chelle reveals three Nigerian football heroes he admires

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons… Read More

3 hours ago

NFF President reveals Eric Chelle’s first assignment as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that coach Eric Chelle will only… Read More

3 hours ago

“We will score goals” – Eric Chelle’s first Super Eagles vow is great music to Osimhen, Lookman

Eric Sékou Chelle has promised to reinstate the Super Eagles’ reputation as a high-scoring team,… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Eric Chelle hugs Augustine Eguavoen at the Super Eagles coach unveiling in Abuja

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has met with Augustine Eguavoen at the venue of the unveiling… Read More

5 hours ago