NPFL players deserve better welfare packages
Nasarawa United midfielder, Eugene Obi in this interview with SHOT! called for improved welfare packages for players in the NPFL. The former Kano Pillars and El-Kanemi Warriors player also pleaded with the LMC to ensure that clubs give players good contra
How satisfied are you with the performance of Nasarawa United in the just concluded NPFL season?
Personally, I am very satisfied because we ended in 5th position while other clubs struggled to remain in the NPFL. It was not an easy season as we all worked really hard to end in a decent position.
What was the target set by Nasarawa United at the beginning of the season?
We set a target for the first three. Unfortunately we did not make it because we faced a very tight schedule. However, we have every reason to thank God. We did our best just that it was not good enough to fetch us a continental ticket.
How do you define tight schedule? Is it that the matches were too many and too close?
It is an open secret that because the league did not start in time, we were made to play midweek and weekend matches which put players and officials under serious pressure. As a matter of fact there were some matches we could have won on the road but we couldn’t because of fatigue. After travelling long distances to honour away matches, nothing much is left in the players to do the job.
So are you saying the LMC should reconsider including midweek matches in the coming season?
They are talking of resuming in November. If the league can resume in good time, I don’t think there will be any serious need for midweek matches. Playing weekend and midweek matches contributes to injuries and fatigue which is not good for players. It is one thing I feel should be reconsidered.
How many matches did you play this season for your club and are you very satisfied with your performance?
Yes I am very satisfied with my performance for Nasarawa United. It is not by my power. I thank God for giving me the grace to perform this season. As a matter of fact, I played more than 20 matches this season. It would have been more but I was sidelined by injury for more than a month. So I missed some matches.
How many goals did you score?
This season did not score. It is really disappointing but from my position is not so easy to score goals. You know in the Nigerian league when you are playing, you play with a lot of instruction but its part of our own game plan. I had to play the way the coach asked me to play. Most times I was asked to provide cover for the back four. So I didn’t
Igo forward often to be in a position to score.
What made you to join Nasarawa United?
As a matter of fact, this is my third season in Nasarawa United. When I left Kano Pillars, I went to El-Kanemi Warriors from where I moved to Nasarawa United. I spoke to the then Technical Adviser Baba Ganaru who was my coach in Kano Pillars and he asked me to come over. I used to dream of playing for Nasarawa United so when he accepted that I should come over, I did not waste time.
Would you say you are enjoying your stay in Nasarawa United?
I have no single regret joining Nasarawa United. It is a good club any ambitious player would like to join. Since I came, I have been an integral member of the squad. I have played continental with Nasarawa United and even this season, we missed out narrowly. In addition, as one of the most experienced players in the team, I try to inspire the upcoming players.
How do you inspire the younger players?
I share my experience with them on and off the pitch. During matches, I provide the inspiration by encouraging them to work harder especially when we are playing away from home. In addition, we share life experiences and that helps them a lot.
Do you have any plan of leaving Nasarawa United for greener pastures?
Definitely, Nassarawa cannot be my final bus top because no player wants to end his career in one place. Everybody is aiming higher. I wish to move to a league that is better than the Nigerian league.
Apart from Nasarawa, which other club in the NPFL do you like?
I love one team so much which is my second team I played in Nigerian league, that’s Kano Pillars and I wouldn’t have any problem going back to play for them. I started in Lobi Stars from where I moved to Pillars. I have fond memories of the city of Kano.
What was Nasarawa United’s best match in the
Our best match no doubt was the victory over FC IfeanyiUbah in Lafia. It was sweet revenge for us because they defeated us on penalties in the Federation Cup finals. We beat them 2-0 in Lafia.
What was the most difficult club you faced in the season?
The most difficult team we played against was Akwa United both home and away. The matches were so difficult for my team. They have youthful and skilful players who gave us tough time.
Who is your most difficult opponent in the NPFL?
My most difficult opponent in the NPFL is Lobi Stars Tony Okpotu. He gives me tough time anytime we play against them. I congratulate him on his emergence as the highest goal scorer this season. He is a good player.
Who was your role model when you started playing football?
Ghanaian super star, Michael Essien who played for Ghana and Chelsea inspired me a lot. I learnt a lot from him.
Who is your favourite player in the Super Eagles?
My favourite player in the Super Eagles is Victor Moses of Chelsea. I like his dribbling skills and commitment anytime he is on the field of play. He does not like to lose when playing for club and country.
Are you disappointed that despite your consistency in the local league you are yet to get Super Eagles invitation?
I am not disappointed because God’s time is the best. Maybe the time has not come for me to be in the Super Eagles or for me to be invited. I believe that one day God will do it for me.
Would you say Nigerian league improving?
The Nigerian league is really improving better than before. At the time I was in Lobi Stars, the home team must win but now there is a lot of improvement. Most referees used to be biased but some of them have sat up. They know that they will be punished for any poor officiating. So I can say that the league is getting better.
Are you also satisfied with the present welfare packages for players in the NPFL?
We are improving but still we can do better to make the players to be better motivated. The most important thing I want them to do is to give the players good contracts. This is one of the major problems in league because when you sign a player for this week, maybe next two weeks the player did not perform up to expectation, the next thing they do is to sack him. Such players suffer because when they are sacked without any compensation, they have nothing to fall back on. They and their families suffer a lot. However, if players are given good and valid contracts for let’s say two or three years, they will be better protected. The clubs won’t sack players indiscriminately because they know they will have to pay them off. It will bring more sanity and stability in the league. So I humbly suggest that LMC should ensure players given good contracts.
Definitely, Nassarawa cannot be my final bus top because no player wants to end his career in one place. Everybody is aiming higher. I wish to move to a league that is better than the Nigerian league