Following series of engagements meetings between the players union NANPF and Trustfund pensions, including players education on the benefits of pension during the clubs captains seminars and the players congress in January and August 2024 in Benin and Akure, the Executive Secretary and the organising Secretary of the union, Comrades Austin Popo and Ademola Omidiji met with Top officials of Trustfund pensions on 26 September at the Ikoyi Lagos office to deliberate and strategise on ways and means of delivering the customise Pension to Nigeria Professional Footballers.which highlighted on the engagement of the all relevant institutions to deliver the scheme Present during the meeting is the Trustfund pensions Head, Business development and Relationship manager,(south,) Mr Peter Oliti, including Madam Osas Obasogie, who is the regional manager Lagos and Mr Billy Ogiekha, Branch manager.
According to the executive secretary of the union ” the urgent need for pension for footballers is long overdue, as we all know that the every day Footballer is not known to readily save into a pension fund. What easily comes to the mind of every young player coming into professional football is on how to sign for a good sum of money, live a lavish lifestyle, spend money buying exotic cars and a colourful night out, rather than diligently save money away for the rainy days as it is common in the workplace environment. Speaking further , he said,’ the short span nature of players career and high transition failure rate and exposure to unexpected retirement due to the serious injury are some of the pitfalls players face . While speaking on behalf of Trustfund pensions the head of business development mr Peter Oliti confirmed Trustfund readiness to partner with the union and other relevant bodies within the industry to deliver premium value to the scheme.
