FIFA Agent Raises Alarm Over Nigerian Players’ Devaluation

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Nigerian FIFA players agent, Adam Mohammed, has raised the alarm over the drastic drop in the transfer value of Nigerian players, blaming fake FIFA agents and player’s curiosity to sign cheap deals in many obscure countries. Fielding questions from the media in Abuja, the agent who has players like Macaulay Chrisantus and newly invited Super Eagles home-based player, Alhaji Gero, further lamented what he referred to as the unorganised transfer structure in the country as another factor responsible for the devaluation of the players. “The structures, in terms of contract and financial reward in the country, are not so organised. It is obvious that the players are not paid well. Majority of them who don’t have good financial background but are under pressure to satisfy the yearnings of their families, accept anything as transfer offer especially because our league doesn’t pay well,” he lamented. “Again we have many people who claim to be FIFA agents, deceiving the players even when they are not licensed. It has created a lot of confusion. This has been responsible for the value of Nigerian players dropping everyday. They have cheapened Nigerian players and offered them at ridiculous amounts to clubs.however, without being judgmental, the situation will improve, especially as more professionals are coming in now,” he noted. The CEO of Matrix Sports Management also spoke on the future of two of his players – Macaulay and Gero – assuring that both had bright future in the Super Eagles. “Gero’s invitation to the Super Eagles was a big surprise, especially as he did not get enough playing time with the Flying Eagles, but Keshi is a good coach who has eye for talents. They have been able to bring out players from nothing and make them something. “As for Gero, it is a big chance to prove himself even though Eagles’ invitation is enough plus for him. As a player I picked from nowhere, it gives me pleasure and satisfaction, seeing him grow from Kaduna United to Rangers to U-20 and Super Eagles. “I had done it before with Macaulay Chrisantus. I picked him on the street of Kaduna and made him a champion, winning the golden boot in the U-17 World Cup in 2007. I have about four players in the current U-17 and it is rewarding to see that the fruit of labour is coming to bear. “Macaulay’s case was a problem of taking a player who doesn’t have any domestic league experience to Europe. We did our best, taking him to Hamburg on a five-year contract. He was well paid and even got a good academic foundation. “Macaulay did well in the lower league in Germany before leaving for Spain where he is scoring very well. A couple of clubs are looking for him now. We will see what happens. He is a material for the future Super Eagles and he has a good chance,” he assured.