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Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has voiced his frustration over the growing trend of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players departing for low-profile leagues in Iraq, Albania, and similar destinations, Soccernet.football reports.
In a scathing critique, Ideye accused player agents of prioritising immediate deals over the long-term careers of these athletes.
“It’s really sad how all these agents ship out our young stars to start their careers. Are they really thinking of the future of the players? It’s better to start in a second division club in France, Spain or Germany where you can easily be seen by other top clubs,” Ideye tweeted on Thursday.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who recently returned to the NPFL to join Enyimba after an illustrious career in Europe, shared his concerns in response to football journalist Tobi Adepoju’s observations about the steady departure of NPFL talent.
Adepoju highlighted moves such as Deputy Echeta’s transfer from Rivers United to Iraq’s Zakho Sports Club and Sodiq Ismail’s imminent switch to FK Partizani in Albania.
“The biggest challenge for the NPFL is the fact that the league can’t keep its star and quality players. Every transfer window, the players want to leave,” Adepoju lamented.
Super Eagles and Remo Stars defender Sodiq Ismail, 21, is set to undergo medicals this week before signing a three-year deal with FK Partizani.
A standout performer this season, Ismail scored three goals in 12 NPFL matches and netted once in Remo Stars’ CAF Champions League campaign.
Nigeria football insider Mike Osarieme confirmed the move: “BREAKING: Sodiq Ismail to Albanian side, FK Partizani. Medicals are scheduled for this week. The Super Eagles defender will put pen to paper on a three-year deal.”
Adepoju and Ideye both agree that these moves weaken the NPFL’s competitiveness and diminish clubs’ chances in continental tournaments like the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
