As the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is gradually winding up, former Super Eagles player, Bright Omokaro, says the economic downturn has affected the competition.
The former Super Eagles defender told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that football was business.
“The league cannot run itself without funds, and the current hardship in the country now is not making things easy, so, there is not much to do to improve the lot of the players.
“As it is in this part of the world, governments fund sports, so if governments can’t pay salaries of civil servants, how will they pay footballers?
“They don’t see footballers as professional; even if they do they believe there are more pressing issues that should be taken care of.
“Until we get to a level whereby the league generates revenue and it’s funded by corporate organisations and private individuals, we shouldn’t expect miracle from the players.
“When they are being owed backlogs of salaries, they can’t give much commitment to the game.
“Because just like everyone else, they have bills to pay and their families depend on them,’’ Omokaro said.
He, however, commended the players for their endurance and urged them to remain consistent.
“The players are trying their best in a not so friendly environment, but they should stay focused, who knows whose watching,’’ the former defender said. (NAN)
