🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Mixed reactions follow National Sports Commission's N2m minimum player salary for NPFL
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The National Sports Commission's decision to implement a N2m minimum monthly salary for Nigeria Premier Football League players has generated varied responses from stakeholders. This reform, which also includes a significant increase in league prize money, aims to curb the emigration of talented players and enhance the domestic league's competitiveness. The previous minimum wage was N150,000. While some players and former players support the move, viewing it as a way to improve play standards and attract foreign talent, concerns have been raised about clubs' ability to afford the new wages without external support. Rivers State Sports Commissioner and former NFF board member, Barrister Christopher Green, who is also chairman of Rivers United, expressed skepticism, citing an unfulfilled N500m pledge from the NSC to his club. However, Plateau United striker Albert Hillary believes the policy will help the NPFL compete effectively on the continent and retain top players. The league board maintains that new club licensing will ensure financial compliance, with the NSC also increasing the prize for next season's champions to N1bn, up from N200m.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor has lodged a complaint with FIFA against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Trabzonspor alleges that Al-Ahli contacted Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu directly regarding a transfer without the Turkish club's consent. This action is considered a breach of FIFA regulations, as Onuachu still has two years remaining on his contract, and clubs are only permitted to negotiate with a player during the final six months of their deal. Onuachu was a key player for Trabzonspor last season, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in 26 appearances, helping the team finish in the top three of the Turkish league and win the Turkish Cup. Trabzonspor is reportedly open to selling Onuachu for a fee between €10m and €15m, provided the striker formally requests the move. If FIFA rules against Al-Ahli, the Saudi club could face a fine.
Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who left Old Trafford after his contract expired. United is looking for a successor after missing out on several midfield targets this summer, including Elliott Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali. This has led United to revive their interest in Ndidi, who was previously keen to leave Leicester City last summer before joining Besiktas. Ndidi, 29, has made 31 appearances for Besiktas this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. A managerial change at Besiktas has created uncertainty about his future, with the club reportedly valuing him at €8m and open to offers. Hull City and Saudi Pro League clubs are also monitoring Ndidi's situation. Ndidi spent eight years at Leicester City, making over 200 appearances and helping the team win the FA Cup and Community Shield. He was also part of the Nigerian squad that finished on the podium at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. If a move to Old Trafford materializes, Ndidi would be the second Nigerian player to represent Manchester United, following Odion Ighalo.
Nigeria's D'Tigers secured an 80-79 victory over Guinea in Luanda, ending Guinea's winning streak in Group C of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and ensuring Nigeria's progression to the second round. This win followed an 84-81 triumph against Tunisia. Against Guinea, D'Tigers overcame a six-point deficit after the third quarter to win by a single point. Nigeria now joins Guinea in the second round, with their final Group C match against Rwanda scheduled for Sunday, July 5. The victory against Tunisia had boosted Nigeria's qualification hopes after two previous defeats. Under new head coach David Fizdale, Nigeria defeated Tunisia 84-81, with Fizdale praising his players' resilience. The top three teams from each of the four first-round groups will advance to the second round, which will be played between August 2026 and February 2027. The twelve qualifying teams will then be divided into two groups of six, carrying over their first-round results. The top two teams from each group and the best third-placed team will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.