Okocha re-affirm stance on NPFL snub

Posted : 07 October 2023

Former Super Eagles Captain has insisted that his stance on his ratings of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) remains, adding that the league fell short of his expectations.

Okocha made the revelation in an exclusive interview at a forum of Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) presentation in Lagos on Thursday.

The mecurial midfielder explained that his judgement on the level of Nigeria's football development was devoid of bias.

``My stance on NPFL stands, one thing that is for sure is that there is no shortage of talents in Nigeria, the only difference is management and putting structures in place.

``Some of our players are just learning about the basis of football when they get to Europe and other countries, because our grassroots football is not at the level it's supposed to be.

``The future of football is grassroots development and that is the point I am trying to make.

``If you go to some of the clubs in Nigeria, their so called feeder teams or academies are filled with older men, even more than those in the main team.

``To call a spade a spade, those footballers are not supposed to be in the feeder teams, which are supposed to be for younger players.

``A student that is supposed to be in tertiary education level should not be found in the primary school,'' he added.

Okocha further clarified that the structure of the league is deficient and would not attract any meaningful development if the errors are not attended to.

``At this stage, we should have been able to put structures in place that can enable us to say that these are our future players.

``It is not about scouting all over European leagues and others looking for players that are scoring goals, then, they get call-up. National team is not magic, it is team bonding,'' he said.

The former Paris Saint Germain (PSG) midfielder also said part of his reason of not wanting to own a club in Nigeria is what he perceived as corruption laden structures.

``I don't want to own a club, I would have loved to, but the question is, how will I function when I know that I will struggle to win away matches, knowing that those games won't be televised?

``Until our football managers put all these necessary things in place and make our league attractive, then, some of us will like to get involved.

``Our league has not provided the opportunity for players at home to play to their potentials and that is why some of them are fumbling abroad.

``This is another opportunity to clear what I said in Nairobi, Kenya because at this stage of my life, it will be unfair for me to lie to our people or be covering up,'' Okocha said.

He added: ``It is true I said I will prefer to watch a premier league match instead of NPFL on television, because the league is not where it is supposed to be.

``It hurts to see that the efforts that we have put in those years have not been built on, maybe we are just realizing that now and some clubs are taking the initiative.

``The league should give us what we are craving for and that is why I made the statement so that we will all wake up and do the right thing. We need to start attracting investors to our local league.

``We need to make our stadium conducive to watch matches and not people being harassed; we should make sure that we are having the right results and not that home team must win at all cost.

``I made the statement because of anger, because I cannot be at home in Nigeria and won't be able to watch matches. I desire to go and inspire other players.

``If I am not comfortable going to watch matches, do you want me to sweep that under the carpet and pretend? I am not okay with the situation and can't deal with it.

``We must find a way to develop the league because it is not rocket science, it is a matter of mindset and our desire to do the right thing,'' Okocha emphasised.

On the crave for the huge financial backing of Saudi Arabia league which has been attracting big footballers, Okocha said he wouldn't resist such offer himself.

``As an African, you can fill your cabinet with trophies, but if you can't feed yourself, nobody will appreciate those laurels you have gathered.

``Unfortunately in Nigeria where I came from, you have to be your own government; to provide for everything that you need, or else, you will be a liability.

``Fernarbeche FC gave me an irresistible offer, a tax free contract, this is different and better than staying in big clubs in Germany, so, you expect me to play for Bayern Munich where the taxes are higher?

``It doesn't make sense to me, if I want to talk about Osimhen, it is his decision, but if I am given such offer, I will go without hesitation,'' he said.

Okocha emphasised that if what he heard about the contract being offered Osimhen was true, he would go play in Saudi Arabia maybe for two years.

``I don't think Ronaldo and the rest are dumb for going to Saudi Arabia.

``The problem is not about us, but family demands, and for sure, you can't give what you don't have. For me, I will go grab it first.

``Some players can play in four world cup and still be broke, that's their choice.

``Feeding your family is better than filling your cabinet. It is better if both are achieved; nevertheless, players must remember their root.

``The main reason of being a footballer is to earn a living; football is one of the few professions that can make the rich and the poor be on the same level,'' Okocha said.

He further explained that he was still relevant because of what he had.

``If I am hungry, nobody will remember me,'' he said.

Okocha re-affirm stance on NPFL snub

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