One of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, David Aigbovo, says anybody that is opposing the proposed ₦2m salary for players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by the National Sports Commission (NSC) should be treated as ‘true enemy’ of the nation’s football.

Aigbovo remains one of the veteran goalkeepers in the Nigerian professional football circle. He is best known for his time with the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and the Rubber Board of Benin. He is also recognised for his vocal commentary on Nigerian football, having notably shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles.

Speaking with The Guardian, on Friday, Aighovo, who won the 1992 CAF Cup with 3SC, said that it is disheartening to see that some Nigerians are moving against the NSC’s proposed N2million monthly for NPFL players.

“First, I must commend both the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade for their foresight and move to bring light into the NPFL. Their proposal of N2million for players in the NPFL is commendable.

“This is how Nigeria domestic league should be. I played for many clubs in the Nigerian league, including Flash Flamingoes, Bendel United and Shooting Stars, and I can say we enjoyed a lot compared to the present day. The league is no longer what it used to be, and for the NSC to propose N2 million salary for NPFL players is the best news for our football.

And I want to add that anybody who move to stand the way should be treated as enemy of our football,” he said.

Aigbovo’s declaration came a few days after, Borno State Commissioner for Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Sainna Buba, described the proposed ₦2 million monthly minimum salary for players in the NPFL as unrealistic, given the financial realities confronting most clubs.

Speaking in Asaba, Delta State, after El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Abakaliki FC to win the 2026 NFF President’s Federation Cup, Buba said such a salary structure could only be sustained if clubs first develop viable revenue streams to support the increased wage bill.

According to him, most NPFL clubs rely heavily on government funding and lack the commercial capacity to finance such a policy.

“The league authorities must first establish modalities that will enhance revenue generation for clubs before introducing a new salary regime. Without a sustainable financial framework, the proposal may become counterproductive and could negatively affect the overall performance and stability of the league,” he said.

Buba also stressed that state governments and other club proprietors, who provide the bulk of funding for most NPFL teams, should have been involved in discussions on such a significant policy, warning that implementing the proposed salary structure without broad stakeholder engagement could trigger financial crises for many clubs, and that only a handful currently have the capacity to pay players ₦2 million monthly.

He urged the NPFL leadership to reconsider the proposal and instead prioritise measures to improve clubs’ commercial viability through enhanced sponsorship, broadcasting rights, marketing opportunities and other sustainable revenue sources.

For Aigbovo, however, such excuses by the Borno State Commissioner for Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Sainna Buba, should be discarded by all well-meaning Nigerians who want to want the best for the NPFL.

“Any club that can’t cope with the proposed N2million salary for NPFL players should stay away. Our league can’t remain in this same shamble because of some individuals who think of themselves alone,” Aigbovo stated.