The Nigerian Premier League and the National League have witnessed lot of changes over the years, as it has become more physical and less skillful, compared to the past 10 to 15 years, former junior international, Sunday Ibeji, has observed.
According to Ibeji, who has starred for Nigerian clubs such as Heartland FC of Owerri, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi and Egyptian giants, Al Ahly FC all within Africa, before going outside the continent where he played for club sides in Slovenia, Dubai and Vietnam, there is nothing as good as coming back home to roost after his football odyssey.
Ibeji, who is one of the six new players signed by Ranch Bees FC to beef up the team and share their experience with the young starlets, added: “It is good to come back home. It is better for me than sitting down at home,
Commenting on the standard of play in the league compared to when he first made his debut with Lobi Stars 15 years ago, he said there were lots of differences.
“There is so much difference. In the past, teams played good football. There were more spectators and good pitches. Now, it is more of physical game than skills. Even when I had my debut with Lobi Stars, I had no strength then but I played regularly.”
