Ex-Bendel Insurance goalkeeper asks NPFL to improve salaries, warns ‘more players will flee’

Amas Obasogie, the former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, has asked the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to improve the financial welfare of players.

Obasogie, who joined Ethiopia’s Fasil Ketema FC in August 2024, said a more lucrative and better-organised league would reduce player exodus to lesser-known African leagues.

He said the country’s economic situation and existing salary packages will make more players “flee” to leagues with “lesser facilities”.

“Every day footballers are getting old, there is no time for anybody. A footballer earning half a million is struggling in this economy and it can affect their performance,” he told TheCable.

“Neighbouring countries are taking our good players because they can earn over a million naira as salary, and this would make more players flee to leagues with lesser facilities than the NPFL but are better organised.”

The 24-year-old started his professional career with Bendel Insurance, winning the NPFL’s best goalkeeper award last season.

Although he applauded the NPFL’s partnership with Sevilla FC to train players and coaches, he believes more is needed.

“I give kudos to NPFL for the Sevilla deal and I believe the league will get better,” he said.

“But the league should improve the financial aspect, they should pay players and coaches very well- it is very important. They should also sponsor coaches to refresher courses to improve their skills and add more value to the league.”

SUPER EAGLES CALL-UP

Obasogie is one of three goalkeepers invited by Coach Eric Chelle to the Super Eagles camp for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The goalkeeper said he aims to work his way into the Super Eagles like Stanley Nwabali, the current first choice.

“I respect the effort Stanley Nwabali has put into claiming the number one shirt. Remember he also proved himself in the NPFL before doing the same in Chippa United,” he said.

“So being in the Eagles camp is a huge opportunity for me, I respect all the players and the experience improves me tremendously. I train with the mentality that I am a Super Eagles goalkeeper and dream of myself putting on the national team jersey.

“If the opportunity comes to represent Nigeria, I aim to play my part and take it fully.”