A seasoned grassroots sports administrator, Godwin Bamigboye, has called on the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (players’ union) and other football stakeholders to urgently intervene in the cases involving Nigerian footballers Daniel Daga and Amas Obasogie.

Bamigboye made the call while reacting to the recent controversies surrounding the two players, which he described as matters of urgent concern for sports-loving Nigerians.

Daga, a Nigerian international who plays for Molde FK in Norway, has been in the news over a sexual harassment case, while goalkeeper Obasogie of Singida Black Stars in Tanzania recently faced allegations of match-fixing.

According to Bamigboye, the situation surrounding the two footballers requires serious intervention and scrutiny by stakeholders in Nigerian football, particularly the players’ union, which he believes should be actively protecting the welfare and rights of its members.

He expressed concern that both players appeared to have gone through difficult moments without visible support from the union.

“Both players needed the intervention of the players’ union at this critical period of their travail. I don’t know if the union made any effort in terms of intervention,” Bamigboye said.

Speaking on Obasogie’s case, Bamigboye described the development as disturbing, especially as the goalkeeper was reportedly declared innocent after initially being accused of match-fixing.

He criticized the Tanzanian club for what he termed a reckless public statement against the player.

“It is really annoying. Obasogie was pronounced innocent after the initial accusation of match-fixing. That club was reckless in its statement, knowing that the goalkeeper is also a member of the Nigeria national football team squad. Why accuse him of match-fixing without first establishing that he was guilty?” Bamigboye asked.

He added that if the players’ union were proactive, it should consider instituting legal action against Singida Black Stars over the handling of the matter.

On the case involving Daga, Bamigboye said he suspects the possibility of a set-up often experienced by footballers abroad.

He, however, noted that he was not declaring the player innocent but believes the circumstances surrounding the allegation require careful examination.

“I am not making a case of innocence for Daniel Daga, but I suspect he may be innocent of the sexual harassment allegation. The lady is said to be 22 years old while Daga is 19. I think the lady should be accused of sexually harassing Daniel Daga and not the other way round,” he said.

Bamigboye stressed that his comments were meant to encourage proactive measures to protect Nigerian footballers, especially those pursuing careers abroad.

He further advised that players seeking opportunities outside Nigeria should undergo proper orientation and guidance to help them understand the cultural, legal and social realities of foreign countries.

According to him, such tutelage would help young footballers avoid situations that could threaten their careers and reputations while playing in foreign leagues.