Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has lamented the poor state of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in comparison with the South African Premier Soccer League.
Mikel made this assertion during an interview with South African Soccer Laduma.
The South African Premier Soccer League, featuring 16 clubs competing from August to May annually, has secured its place as one of the top five leagues in Africa.
The league boasts one of the largest television rights deals with SuperSports, enabling it to generate an impressive $72 million in revenue each year.
According to Statista, as of September 2023, the market value of all the teams in the South African DSTV premiership amounted to €158.14 million.
Mamelodi Sundowns had the highest market value with approximately €30 million, which represented around 19 per cent of the value of all teams in the DSTV Premiership. Orlando Pirates followed with roughly €20 million, while Kaizer Chiefs ranked third with around €18 million.
Mikel spent two of his teen years with Plateau United before he moved to Europe to begin his illustrious professional career.
The retired midfielder started his career in Europe with Lyn Oslo in 2004 before joining Chelsea, where he enjoyed 11 trophy-laden years.
In a video posted by Ghanaian journalist Sannie Daara, Mikel, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 2013, pointed out the key factors that elevated the South African league’s status.
“I think it’s not the mentality; it’s your organisation. Your organisation is better than our organisation (NPFL)”, he said.
“If you look at the South African League, it is that good where a player doesn’t have to go abroad to make ends meet to help his family.
“It is something we (Nigerian) have been crying out; we want to see our league better, and we know we can get there because we have so much talent. We want to grow and improve the standard of our league. The facilities for these players to go and the younger ones who aspire to play in the Premier League.
“We have to create an environment where they feel comfortable to improve, and that is something they (South Africans) have, and that is pretty much the difference”.
