Borno State Commissioner for Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Sainna Buba, has described the proposed ₦2 million monthly minimum salary for players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (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 faulted the manner in which the proposal was announced, arguing that league managers failed to adequately consult club owners and other critical stakeholders before making the declaration.

He 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.

The commissioner warned that implementing the proposed salary structure without broad stakeholder engagement could trigger financial crises for many clubs, noting 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.

On El-Kanemi Warriors’ Federation Cup triumph, Buba attributed the success to the sustained investment of the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He said the victory reflects the governor’s commitment to repositioning Borno as a leading sports destination in Nigeria.

Buba disclosed that the state government has begun plans to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, with efforts underway to recruit quality players capable of representing both the state and the country creditably.

He also revealed that the government is considering a major overhaul of the team, with nearly 80 per cent of the current squad likely to be released over issues relating to attitude and commitment.

Despite El-Kanemi Warriors’ relegation from the NPFL last season, Buba expressed confidence that the “Zulum Boys” would return stronger, adding that the club has commenced the search for a new technical adviser following the departure of coach Ismail Dogo, who is set to join Niger Tornadoes after leading the Maiduguri side to Federation Cup glory at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba.