By NAN
Former international, Chikelue Iloenyosi has called for better welfare for retired Nigerian footballers, in line with international best practices.
Iloenyosi, who is the Chairman Board of Trustees of the newly formed All Nigerian Players’ Union (ANPU) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the union was out to change the narrative.
Iloenyosi, an ex-Super Eagles defender, who is also the founder of ‘042’ Football Legends Association in Nigeria, an NGO said proper structures need to be put in place to ensure ex-internationals are not turned into beggars after retirement.
He said that was why ANPU was formed in 2021 since the Professional Players Union of Nigeria was not leaving up to the expectations of his retired colleagues.
“Let me tell you 85 percent of former Nigerian players are poor because they were not professionals, some who are rich have some other things that they are using to help their family.
“Players union is not about federation, it’s about how you put smiles on your colleagues’ faces, how many of them have NGO that is supporting people.
“I created a football association singlehandedly funded by me, nobody is giving me any dime. We have 850 people on the platform,” he said.
The former Super Eagles defender stressed the need for a proper retirement scheme for ex-internationals like it’s done abroad.
At the forthcoming NFF elective Congress slated for September, he called on all stakeholders, including ex-internationals to show interest, in collectively repositioning Nigerian football.
Iloenyosi who was recently honored with an award of excellence by the FCT Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) pledged to continue to support the development of Nigerian football.
NAN reports Iloenyosi featured in the Nigeria national under-20 football team at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.
He earned fifteen (15) senior caps for Nigeria in 2000 and he was part of the Olympic team 2000 in Sydney. (NAN)
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