Enyimba, Elkanemi, Lobi Stars , Plateau United & 2 Others Pay Up To Avert Transfer Ban On Indebted NPFL Clubs

By: Chinedum Ohanusi

The regulators of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have reinforced their orders to clubs in the nation’s top flight, that any side which is contractually indebted to their former players or coaches; would not be allowed to field new players.

Chairman of the NPFL, Hon. Olugbenga Elegbeleye made the assertion while dousing the cynicism trailing the said order, which amounts to a transfer ban on such, indebted clubs.

Hon Elegbeleye told Sports Day exclusively that the order is being enforced to the later, and a few of the clubs affected, like Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, Enyimba FC of Aba, and Lobi Stars of Makurdi have all complied by paying what they owe.

According to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NPFL, the other clubs that have complied are Plateau United of Jos, Heartland FC of Owerri, and Bayelsa United FC of Yenagoa.

In his words, “clubs that refuse to pay, will meet our resolve to sanitize the league, and we will simply make sure that they are not allowed to field new players, after the period of grace given to them”; that’s after Match Day 10.

A renowned FIFA Licensed Agent Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia had during the week said there was little or nothing to celebrate, until the NPFL puts down its feet, and implement the rules, in full.

Ogbemudia also called for caution on the part of the NPFL, in wielding the big stick, as a blanket withdrawal of the license of newly registered players of some clubs over their indebtedness to former players, can further impart on the league, negatively.