Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has pointed to poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions as major reasons why players continue to leave the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Speaking in an interview with Brila Sports, Oliseh stressed that improving player welfare is essential if the domestic league is to retain top talent.

He explained that football is a profession players rely on to support their families and build their future, adding that inadequate pay structures make it difficult for them to remain in Nigeria.

Oliseh noted that even relatively modest salaries, if paid consistently and on time, could still be meaningful for players, recalling how timely payments were a feature of his own playing days.

He argued that instability in salary payments and poor treatment are key factors pushing NPFL players abroad in search of better opportunities and financial security.

“Football is a business, it’s what players use to pay their bills, feed their families, plan their futures,” Oliseh said.

He added that players should not be blamed for seeking better livelihoods, stressing that any system that fails to support its professionals will naturally see talent migrate elsewhere.

The former midfielder also urged league administrators to prioritise reforms that would make the domestic league more stable and attractive, warning that without such changes, the talent drain would continue.