Enugu Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu Explains Major Reason Why NPFL Loses Best Strikers to Other African Leagues

Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes poor salaries and structural challenges in Nigerian football are major reasons the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) struggles to retain its best strikers.

Speaking following Rangers International’s 2-0 victory over Algerian giants MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Ilechukwu said clubs need to improve their financial offers and overall conditions to retain their top talents.

“Until we pay our players well, until the structure changes, then our league will have top strikers,” Ilechukwu said, stressing the need for better player remuneration and a stronger league structure.

He also asked if players would reject bigger offers from other African leagues just to stay in Nigeria.

"Will a player offered a huge salary in the Zambian league wait for a lesser offer in Nigeria?"

He asked, pointing to the financial battle Nigerian clubs face in the transfer market.
Ilechukwu's comments highlight a long-standing problem for the NPFL: good strikers get offers from foreign clubs after a great season. He believes better salaries, improved welfare, and stronger structures would help Nigerian teams keep their best players and improve the league.