Ex Nigeria international, Taribo West has come out to blast Amaju Pinnick for saying NPFL-based internationals would not be allowed to join mushroom clubs. He recently revealed that the statement was completely insensitive and embarrassing.
According to him, it is unfair for Pinnick to attempt to keep players against their will in a league that doesn’t respect or pay them.
He added that it is a shame to see how rather than improving and focusing on developing the structures around the league, he is dictating how adults should live their lives.
His words, “You cannot keep people against their will in a league that doesn’t respect them, pay them, protect them or care about their welfare.”
“Such comments from the head of Nigerian football are insensitive and embarrassing.”
“Instead of improving and focusing on developing the structures around the league, you’re dictating to adults where and how to earn a living.”
“His [NPFL] league does not pay footballers and contracts to protect the lives of footballers.”
“He doesn’t have any power to prevent any footballer who has access to move to those clubs he described as small leagues or ‘mushroom clubs’. Right now, there are no small countries in football.”
“We all saw from the ongoing European Championships that the so-called smaller nations are causing upsets against the bigger countries.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s Albania, Luxembourg, Moldova or Georgia. Whoever gets an offer to play in these countries has the right to go anywhere they are professionally offered a contract.”
“The agents or representatives of the players should fight the NFF in this battle and go where they can earn a living.”
“If you’re living in Nigeria, you’re going to a top club. Villarreal, Valencia, Lille, and all those proud footballing clubs and not to one mushroom club that you’re better off.”
“I want to expose you, people, to the highest levels so when you’re going to a foreign club, and we won’t allow any agent take you to countries like Cyprus, Belarus, etc., no, never we won’t allow it and I will make sure no transfer is issued on situations like that.”
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