The National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) leader, elder statesman, and erudite scholar, Olorogun Onogagamue Victor, has expressed deep concern over the poor remuneration of players in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and other sports professionals in Nigeria, describing it as one of the major roots of corruption in the system.
According to the respected sports administrator, the current pay package for athletes and professionals in the country is “too small,” adding that inflation has eroded the financial strength of the middle class.
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“How much do we pay professors, permanent secretaries, and managing directors of government-owned institutions as monthly salaries? This weak remuneration structure fuels corruption in the public service,” he told Sports247.
Olorogun Victor emphasized that professional football, like other sports, is a serious business that requires significant investment and sound management.
He lamented that most Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs rely heavily on state government funding without generating corresponding revenue.
To make Nigerian football viable and globally competitive, he outlined key steps for reform:
Appoint top global executives (not necessarily Nigerians) to manage the league.
Fix match scheduling to improve competitiveness and fairness.
Engage competent referees and officials to restore credibility.
Upgrade football infrastructures across the country.
Eliminate match-fixing and hooliganism from the sport.
End age falsification and provide proper sports healthcare.
Improve broadcasting quality and enhance the sale of media rights — a goal achievable only if the above reforms are effectively implemented.
Olorogun Victor concluded that Nigeria must rebuild its sports system from the ground up to attract local and international investors, ensuring sustainable growth and global relevance.
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