The football administrator has urged grassroots footballers to embrace NPFL for career success.
A prominent football expert, Tobi Adepoju, and director at Ikorodu City has urged grassroots footballers in Nigeria to reconsider their attitudes towards the domestic leagues, particularly the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
Adeboju stated in an honest thread on X, formerly Twitter, that many young players are wasting their potential by waiting for overseas opportunities while neglecting the local leagues.
 "Drop your hate: Expert tells young Nigerian footballers to embrace NPFL & stop wasting in academies 1")
The win marks the Oga Boys’ first away victory of the season following a poor start.
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 "Drop your hate: Expert tells young Nigerian footballers to embrace NPFL & stop wasting in academies 2")
Former Super Eagles forward Daniel Amokachi lost out in the battle of wits against his counterpart from Ikorodu City in the Football League.
In his message, Adeboju pointed out that only a small percentage of players—estimated at around 10%—make it directly from academies to European clubs.
“This message is to players who are wasting away in the Academies because they are waiting for a deal abroad and because they dislike/hate the domestic leagues. I’m happy to tell you that you are deceiving yourself,” he stated.
Photojournalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel. (Photo Credit: Ikorodu City)
He noted that starting in the NPFL or the Nigeria National League (NNL) at a young age significantly increases a player’s chances of moving abroad.
Adeboju referenced successful examples such as Stephen Odey, who made a direct move to Europe after scoring 18 goals in the NPFL at just 18 years old.
He explained that players who excel in the NPFL can attract international attention, stating, “If you score 15+ goals as a striker in the NPFL within the age of 18-20… you will move abroad.”
He also noted that many players who have returned from unsuccessful stints abroad have found success and stability back in the NPFL.
Osineye Oladipupo Ayotunde, a talented amateur footballer looks set for a trial with LaLiga giants Sevilla F.C | Credit: X(@TheRealOlagreat)
The director stressed the importance of financial planning for players during and after their careers. “Playing in the NPFL doesn’t mean you will end up being poor; you just need proper plans,” he advised.
He encouraged players to invest their earnings wisely and consider various career paths within football after retirement, such as coaching or scouting.
Adepoju’s youthful Ikorodu are doing well in the NPFL
Adeboju also called for greater investment in the NNL and Nigeria League One (NLO) to create more opportunities for young talents and reduce the recycling of older players in the NPFL.
“With proper investment, we will change players’ recycling narratives in the NPFL,” he asserted.
By expanding these leagues and providing more exposure for young athletes, Adeboju believes that Nigeria can cultivate a new generation of football stars ready to compete on both domestic and international stages.
Adeboju’s insights serve as a crucial reminder of the potential within Nigeria’s domestic leagues and the pathways they offer for aspiring professionals.
The npfl does not encourage young talent, unless the person has connections and the system is bad