Iwobi Critiques NFF's Player Welfare Compared to England

Alex Iwobi, a 29-year-old midfielder born in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently playing for Fulham, has expressed concerns regarding the Nigerian Football Federation's (NFF) approach to player welfare. In a podcast, Iwobi compared the NFF's practices to those of England, where he played at the youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2015.

He noted that while England maintains strict schedules and welfare protocols for players, the NFF's approach is often lackadaisical. Iwobi recounted experiences such as improper flight bookings and inadequate hotel arrangements upon arrival in Nigeria, contrasting this with the organized environment in England.

He emphasized the need for better treatment of players, stating that the differences in standards are significant. Iwobi also mentioned that he would not be the first to voice these concerns, referencing former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and former Super Falcons coach Randri Waldrum, who have also highlighted similar issues.