He has never received that salary - Why Super Eagles star dumped NPFL for Iraq

Super Eagles B captain Nduka Junior’s surprising move from Nigeria’s NPFL to the Iraqi league has sparked lively debate across Nigerian football circles.

An expert has now shared valuable insight explaining why the defender chose to swap domestic football for a fresh start in Iraq.

Nduka Junior, the influential centre back and captain of Nigeria’s local national team, recently completed his transfer from reigning NPFL champions Remo Stars to Iraqi side Erbil FC.

Pulse Sports Nigeria confirmed via the club the signing of the Nigerian defender on their official Instagram page ahead of the new Iraq Stars League season.

Erbil locked in Nduka on a three-year contract to bolster their defence. The defender has been pivotal to his former team Remo Stars and the Super Eagles B team but now embarks on a fresh challenge away from African football.

While some fans worry about losing a talented player, who led Remo to the title last season, to a less traditional league, others sympathise with the financial realities.

MR Olawale Quadri, an avid Nigerian football journalist and director at Ikorodu City FC, offered a crucial perspective via his official X account:

“In Junior Nduka’s entire career in the NPFL, he has never received a salary of $2,000 per month. With this move to Iraq, I believe he will earn up to $5,000 monthly if not more. That’s over ₦7.5 million every month. Put yourself in his shoes before you judge!!!"

This take spotlights the ongoing financial challenges NPFL players face, including irregular salaries and lack of lucrative deals, pushing top talents abroad.

His success overseas could inspire many home-based stars to pursue careers abroad, while underlining the urgent need for improved player welfare and funding in Nigeria’s domestic league.