Follow Us on Google
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The management of Nasarawa United Football Club, Lafia, has refuted allegations made by its Ghanaian central defender, Desmond Agbekpornu, claiming the club risks a FIFA ban over unpaid salaries and sign-on fees. The claims, which surfaced on social media and were reportedly amplified by an online journalist, Taye Adigun, have been described by the club as “spurious and misleading.”
In an official statement issued by the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos and sent to journalists on Wednesday noted that the management categorically denied the allegations. “Contrary to the player’s claims, we categorically deny that he has not been paid his salaries for five months. All staff and players’ salaries, including Desmond Agbekpornu, are paid promptly and in accordance with their contracts, except for two months’ arrears owed to newly recruited players due to technical and operational bureaucracies,” Amos explained.
The statement clarified that the arrears, covering September and October 2024, would be paid before the end of December 2024. Desmond Agbekpornu, who joined Nasarawa United from Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan in September 2024, was said to have been paid for November 2024, with the club working to resolve the remaining balance.
“We mutually agreed with the state government to review players’ salaries for optimum performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The newly acquired players have already received one month’s salary, and plans are in place to clear the outstanding payments soon,” the statement added.
Other News
The management also dismissed claims that the player was owed a sign-on fee of ₦2.5 million. According to the statement, Nasarawa United operates a system of enhanced salaries rather than sign-on fees. “The club does not pay or negotiate sign-on fees with players. Instead, we spread enhanced salaries over monthly payments. If Desmond has evidence of any agreement on sign-on fees, he should present it,” Amos stated.
Addressing the player’s alleged contract termination, the club emphasized that Agbekpornu remains a part of the team, having signed a one-year performance-based contract for the 2024/25 NPFL season. “His contract has not been terminated. He was merely urged by the coaching crew to improve his performance to secure his place as the team strives to improve its standing in the league,” the statement noted.
The club further condemned the player’s decision to take the matter to the media, describing it as an unprofessional act aimed at tarnishing its reputation. “This is a deliberate attempt to bring the club into disrepute. We will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against him or any other player or staff for unprofessional conduct,” Amos warned.
Nasarawa United reassured its fans, sponsors, and stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining professionalism and integrity in all its operations.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism while ensuring the welfare of our players and staff,” the statement concluded.
