NPFL: Impunity Reigns As Clubs Defy NFF's Order On New Signings

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has descended into chaos as clubs continue to disregard the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) directive to halt new player registrations. Despite the NFF's clear instruction, several top clubs, including Enyimba, Akwa United, Lobi Stars, and others, have fielded new players in their Matchday one matches, flouting the order and undermining the league's integrity.

This blatant disregard for the NFF's authority comes after Elkanemi Warriors set the tone by conniving with NFF Club Licensing Department and NPFL officials to transfer old players and play new ones against Enugu Rangers FC, defying a transfer ban and playing of new players order.

The NFF's silence on the matter has raised concerns, with many questioning the federation's ability to govern the league effectively. The Players Status and Arbitration Committee's rulings, aimed at resolving contract disputes, have been rendered useless as clubs continue to ignore them.

The affected players, owed millions of naira in overdue payables, are left seeking justice elsewhere. The NFF's inaction has created a culture of impunity, allowing clubs to disregard contractual agreements and exploit players.

The Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF must take decisive action to address this crisis, ensuring that clubs comply with the Players Status and Arbitration Committee's rulings and respect contractual agreements. Failure to do so will perpetuate anarchy and undermine the NPFL's growth.

The clubs' indebtedness to players, coaches, and other clubs is staggering, with Abia Warriors, Enyimba FC, Katsina United, and others owing millions of naira in overdue payables. The NFF must enforce its rules and protect the rights of players and coaches to maintain the integrity of the league.

The NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee ruled that several NPFL clubs must pay their former employees for unlawful contract termination and overdue payables. The clubs and amounts owed are:

- Abia Warriors: Ikedinachi Nwakanma (N4m), Julius Obinna (N3m), Imoh Azubuike (N3.15m), and Victor Alegbe (N5m)

- Enyimba FC: Stephen Chukwude (N5m) and Chijioke Akuneto (N1.2m)

- Katsina United: Jonah James, Jonas Emmanuel, H. Shamsudeen, Kanti, and Abiodun Adebayo (instalment payments between June-September 2024), Coach Usman Shariff Abd'Allah (N7.7m), Coach Nasir Salisu (N1.25m), and Coach Tony Bolus (N8m)

- Lobi Stars: Christian Nwokedi (N1.5m)

- El-Kanemi Warriors: Bala Yusuf (N750,000), Emmanuel Adoyi (N1.65m), and Suleiman Sodiq (N1m)

- Kwara United: John Obuh (N10.45m)

- Akwa United: Osahon Uhunmwangbon & others (N47m)

These clubs failed to comply with the rulings before the 2024/2025 NPFL season kickoff, leaving the affected employees seeking justice.

Credit: Sports247.ng

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