Rivers United Captain Doubts N2m Minimum Salary Plan for NPFL Players
Rivers United captain Stephen Manyo has expressed doubts about the ability of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs to pay players a minimum salary of N2 million per month.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced the proposed salary structure in June as part of plans to improve the standard of the domestic league.
The commission also announced that the NPFL champions would receive a record N1 billion prize money next season, up from the current N200 million.
The NSC believes the new measures will help stop talented Nigerian players from leaving the country in search of better opportunities while also making the NPFL more attractive to quality players.
However, Manyo believes the N2 million monthly salary target is not realistic at the moment, especially because most clubs have limited sources of income.
“Talking about the N2m a month salary for players, I can’t really say for now because if you come to Rivers United, for instance, the money generated from gate fees is nothing to write home about,” Manyo said.
“If you check our stadiums, most of the time, they are empty. So, it will be difficult for the clubs to generate money and pay players N2m every month.
“I’m not optimistic that will happen because we don’t have the TV rights, most clubs don’t have sponsors. They are owned by the government, and it is what the government gives that you’ll work with.”
The former Enyimba defender added that clubs must work within their financial limits.
According to Manyo, the proposed salary can only become realistic when more sponsors invest in the league and individual clubs.
“So, that N2m salary a month is not realistic for now, until the sponsors begin to come into the league and clubs. It is just a mere statement for now. I don’t think it will be effective yet,” he concluded.
