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

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored for Galatasaray, but his goal was not enough as… Read More

3 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

9 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

11 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

13 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

14 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

19 hours ago