Angry players storm gov house to protest unpaid fees in Kogi

Players of Nigerian National League side, Kogi United, blocked the entrance to the Kogi State Government House, Lokoja to lodge their complaint to Governor Yahaya Bello over their unpaid two-and-half-years sign-on-fees,  punch reports.

Majority of the country’s professional sides are owned and funded by state governments, thus dependent on the government for wages, including Kogi United.

The players, who were dressed in their club kits and carrying placards at the gate of the Government House, threatened to boycott their 2020/21 Nigeria National League matches.

“We want to be paid our two years sign-on-fees as we have people that look up to us for survival,” captain of the club, Osas Egbe, who was part of the protest.

“They promised to pay our entitlements but it did not happen.

“We are tired of empty promises by the Kogi State Government. We don’t think playing league games will be a good option for us.”

Another player Anthony Jegede added, “They are yet to pay us since 2018. All we hear is endless promises. I’m owed over N500,000 in sign-on fees.

Kogi United are pooled in the Northern Conference Group A2 alongside Niger Tornadoes, Real Stars, Road Safety, ABS FC, DMD FC, Malumfashi FC, Zamfara FC, Kebbi United and Yobe Desert Stars.”