Former Enyimba defender Ifeanyi Anaemena has described league football in Saudi Arabia as ‘standard’ and of ‘high intensity’.

Anaemena joined Saudi second division club Al Nahda from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit Rivers United in August and has scored once for his modest side this season.

Speaking from his base in Saudi Arabia, the 29-year-old all-action centre-back, disclosed that teams who play well win games, as there is no home advantage in the league.

He noted that the situation is different in the NPFL, but believes the League Management Company (LMC) are working hard to make the domestic league better.

“I think here in the Saudi Arabian league, the intensity of their game is very high and they play a kind of compact game, with high intensity,” he said.

“Their league system is quite different from the NPFL. Having played in the NPFL and now in the Saudi Arabian league, I know I can give a better and good differences between the two leagues.

“And to be honest, it’s always an open play when you come to the Saudi Arabian league. There is no home, there is no away. Teams even go away to win 4, 5-0 without any issues. So, it’s kind of a very standard league and they are very mature.

“Same with the NPFL, the LMC are making every possible effort to make sure that the league get to a certain standard, and I give them kudos for that.”

Before moving to Al Nahda, the Super Eagles defender played for NPFL sides Rivers United, two-time African champions Enyimba and defunct Giwa FC.