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.