Former Enyimba defender Ifeanyi Anaemena has described as ‘inhumane’ the attitude of Nigeria Professional Football league (NPFL) clubs who owe their players wages.

In what is now a constant but rather disturbing situation, NPFL clubs have become notorious for not fulfilling their financial obligations to their players, with some owing over seven months salaries and other financial entitlements like contract fees, match bonuses, allowances and estacodes.

Anaemena, who joined Saudi Arabia second-tier side Al Nahda from Rivers United in August, however, said the situation is different at his new club, as his wages are paid as and when due.

Speaking from his base in Saudi Arabia, the Super Eagles defender stated that the NPFL players won’t give their best on the pitch as a result of the situation.

“To me, I think clubs owing players two, three, four, five months is becoming inhumane, because players work and they expect their wages and their salaries to take care of themselves and their families,” the 29-year-old told www.busybuddiesng.com exclusively. “Without being paid your wages and salary, there’s no way you are going to be productive.

“Here in Saudi Arabia, I’ve been here for three months, I think salaries have been paid. They pay on monthly basis. For instance, at the end of a month, by middle of the next month, you might be expecting your salary.

“So, the mentality of owing players three, four, five, six, seven months in the NPFL is a very negative one and it will derail the player of being productive, I think.

“Players have families. They have themselves to take care of, their parents, their siblings and every other thing. So, I don’t think it is wise for clubs to owe their players.”

Virtually all the clubs in the NPFL are indebted to their players, with these players resorting to protests at times to get the wages.