Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has called for improved player remuneration and structural reforms in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), insisting that Nigerian clubs will continue to struggle to attract and retain quality strikers unless the financial conditions of domestic football improve.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247 following Rangers International’s 2-0 victory over Algerian giants MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ilechukwu highlighted the financial challenges confronting Nigerian clubs.
The experienced tactician believes the continued movement of talented players to other African leagues reflects the need for greater investment in Nigeria’s domestic football structure.
‘Until We Pay Our Players Well, Things Will Not Change’
Addressing the shortage of prolific strikers in the NPFL, Ilechukwu argued that the issue extends beyond individual player development.
According to him, improving the league’s financial structure is essential to attracting and retaining players capable of delivering consistent goalscoring performances.
“Until we pay our players well, until the structure changes, then our league will have top strikers,” Ilechukwu told Sports247.
His comments highlighted the relationship between competitive remuneration and the quality of players available to domestic clubs.
For Ilechukwu, Nigerian teams must become more financially attractive if they hope to compete effectively for talented footballers.
‘Why Would a Player Reject a Bigger Offer From Zambia?’
The Rangers coach further illustrated his concerns by comparing the financial opportunities available to players in Nigeria with those offered elsewhere on the continent.
“Will a player offered a huge salary in the Zambian league wait for a lesser offer in Nigeria?” he asked.
The rhetorical question underscored his belief that financial considerations play a major role in players’ career decisions.
With Nigerian clubs competing against teams from other African countries for quality footballers, Ilechukwu believes improving salaries could help reduce the loss of talented players.
His remarks also raised questions about how domestic clubs can strengthen their competitiveness in continental competitions while operating under financial constraints.
Ilechukwu’s comments came after Rangers secured an important 2-0 victory over MC Alger in Abeokuta. The Flying Antelopes overcame an early red card before scoring twice in the closing stages to establish a valuable first-leg advantage.
The result encouraged the Nigerian champions as they continue their pursuit of a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
However, Ilechukwu’s post-match remarks shifted attention beyond the immediate result to broader concerns about the future of Nigerian domestic football.
The Rangers coach’s observations highlight the importance of sustainable investment, competitive salaries and improved club structures in strengthening the NPFL.
While Nigerian football continues to produce talented players, retaining those talents remains an important challenge for domestic clubs.
For Ilechukwu, developing a stronger league requires creating an environment where players can earn competitive wages without necessarily seeking opportunities abroad.
His message after Rangers’ continental victory was clear: Nigerian clubs must improve their financial structures and player welfare if the NPFL is to consistently attract and retain top-quality strikers.
