PFAN Highlights Plight Of Neglected Nigerian Footballers
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has sought the intervention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the plight and maltreatment of Nigerian domestic players by their clubs.
The President of PFAN, Tijani Babangida, who came in company of former Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Babayaro, made the plea during a courtesy visit to the ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN.
Spokesperson, ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, quoted the PFAN president, as decrying the exploitation of Nigerian players by their clubs in the signing of agreements and payment of salaries and allowances.
“The Nigerian player is one of the most negatively exploited in the world and back home in Nigeria, it is even worse,” he said.
“From non-payment of salaries and allowances despite contractual agreement to sacking of players at the beginning or middle of their contracts without payment, and official bloating of players’ wages while paying them peanuts. These have been the plight of Nigerian players.”
Babangida added that the Association would like to partner with ICPC in sanitising the country’s football system, particularly, with regards to ethics and professionalism.
“Considering the role played by Nigerian footballers in the interest of national integration, they are treated like slaves,” the statement added. “The plight of the Nigerian player has become pitiable, a situation that calls for an emergency intervention.”
The PFAN president further decried the misappropriation of funds by the body saddled with the responsibility of managing the affairs of football in the country. The association expressed the hope that the ICPC’s intervention will help the system to function properly.
The ICPC chairman acknowledged the contributions and services rendered by the former national team players, commending their passion for the country. He advised the association to come up with a standard contract document for its members to guard against exploitation by their employers, as well as engage an attorney who specialises in sports.
He assured that the commission would look into the partnership request by the association for the improvement of the game in the country.
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.
