Sunday Oliseh calls for urgent wage reforms to halt player exodus from Nigeria’s top flight

Former Nigeria international and coach Sunday Oliseh has renewed calls for significant improvements in player salaries and welfare within the Nigeria Professional Football League, warning that the current conditions continue to drive talented footballers abroad.

Speaking in an interview, the ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder argued that sustainable growth in domestic football depends on treating players as professionals whose livelihoods must be secured through timely and adequate remuneration.

He insisted that poor pay structures undermine retention and competitiveness. According to him, the league cannot continue to function effectively while players struggle with inconsistent earnings.

Oliseh stressed that football must be treated as a profession driven by financial security, noting that players rely on it for survival and long-term planning.

According to the former midfielder, addressing long-standing structural issues within Nigerian football remains essential if the domestic game is to grow in competitiveness and retain its best talent in the long term he insisted during the interview furthermore reforms.

“Look, football is a business, it’s what he uses to pay his bills, feed his family plan his future,” he told Brila FM.

“Even if it’s 1,000 dollars, if you multiply it to Naira it’s a big money. When we were playing they was never one month that they owed us it might be small but we were paid on time.

“People built family with that money with consistent savings if you want players to stay in Nigeria ensure the league is conducive and okay.

“Don’t blame people to try to feed their family put them in your shoes. If you don’t feed your wife she will complain.”