The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has long been a breeding ground for talented players who eventually seek opportunities abroad. However, in recent times, there has been a growing trend of veteran Nigerian players returning to the NPFL. We take a look at why this development could be a game-changer for Nigerian football.
The Nigerian Professional Football League has seen an influx of foreign-based Nigerian football legends making a homecoming to the league after years of plying their trade in Europe. AFCON Winner Brown Ideye dominated headlines when he signed a short-term deal with nine-time NPFL Champions Enyimba International Football Club in December 2024.
Prior to Brown Ideye’s return, Ahmed Musa had also made waves across the country when he decided to return to the NPFL and sign for Kano Pillars, following a brief sojourn in Turkey. Godfrey Oboabona and Shehu Abdullahi are other big names who have made a return to the NPFL after years of starring for foreign clubs abroad. Here are five reasons why the return of these veterans could be a game-changer for our local league.
INCREASED QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE ON THE PITCH
The return of Nigerian football stars who had been honing their skills and plying their trade abroad brings a whole new wealth of experience and technical skills to the NPFL. Currently, the standard of leagues across Europe is higher and incomparable to the standard of the Nigerian league. These returning players are bringing a myriad of skills, tactical knowledge and experience that can elevate the overall standard of the league to greater heights. Incorporating this invaluable knowledge and expertise will bring numerous benefits to the NPFL.
For instance, with veteran foreign-based players returning, NPFL teams can become more competitive in continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League. The experience of these veteran players in high-stakes matches abroad can improve team performance and increase Nigeria’s chances of winning continental titles.
MENTORSHIP FOR YOUNG TALENTS
Returning ex-foreign-based players can serve as the perfect mentors for young talents and even league veterans. The presence of these veteran foreign-based players can help young players bridge the gap between raw talent and professional excellence. The professional expertise and guidance they would provide to young talents isn’t something they can be taught in their academies or in the local league, potentially accelerating their development.
Most notably, during AFCON 2023, Ahmed Musa was an unused substitute throughout the tournament, but his leadership role and positive influence behind the scenes were vital to the team’s success.
INCREASED REVENUE AND SPONSORSHIP APPEAL
Returning ex-foreign-based players have higher popularity levels and a large fanbase of dedicated fans compared to other home-based players. The thrill of watching legends of Nigerian footballers live is an undeniable appeal for countless individuals across the country. Young people, middle-aged people, old people, and individuals from all walks of life will undoubtedly turn up at stadiums and stay glued to their televisions to watch their favorite legends play. This will result in the presence of more fans at stadiums, increased ticket sales, and shirt sales, as well as subsequently increased revenue for the clubs.
Additionally, big-name players often attract mouthwatering sponsorship deals for clubs and the league in general. Large-sized local and foreign companies, as well as famous local and international brands, are going to be more interested in investing in the league when there are internationally renowned names that benefit both parties.
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Increased levels of revenue and investments in the NPFL will lead to an improvement in infrastructure across the Nigerian league.
Clubs would become heavily invested in improving their training facilities and stadiums to accommodate higher standards, further boosting local infrastructure development. Clubs would become equipped with state-of-the-art gyms, performance monitors, digitised scouting systems, and other advanced technologies.
Installation of modern facilities across stadiums would improve the league’s reputation and enhance player performance and fan experiences.
A BOOST IN NPFL’s MARKETABILITY AND GLOBAL VISIBILITY
The influx of ex-foreign-based players into the NPFL is a big deal regarding marketability and media coverage. Local and international media will undoubtedly take an interest in the return of these icons to the local league, as these big names generate increased clicks and views for them. The increased media attention on these players will invariably lead to an increase in the global visibility of the NPFL, generating higher commercial revenues for clubs and the league alike.
The return of ex-foreign footballers is a game-changing, transformative experience for the NPFL and the country at large. Their experience, marketability, mentorship, and influence on domestic competition could help elevate the league’s status both locally and internationally, making the NPFL more attractive and competitive on the global stage. Hopefully, it is a trend that will be sustained over a long period of time so that our local leagues can reap the potential benefits.
