Anthony Michael sues Niger Tornadoes over contract termination

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Anthony Michael, a player for Niger Tornadoes, has taken the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL over the alleged unilateral and unlawful termination of his contract. Through his legal representative, the player has filed a complaint with the NPFL, demanding full severance pay and compensation amounting to ₦1.2 million for the six months remaining on his contract.

FIFA-licensed football agent Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia, representing Michael, criticized the club’s actions, calling them unprofessional. He urged the NPFL Chairman and Chief Operating Officer to intervene swiftly and ensure justice is served in line with FIFA and NPFL regulations.

Efforts to obtain a response from Niger Tornadoes Secretary Jibril Haruna have so far been unsuccessful.

Editorial

The dispute between Anthony Michael and Niger Tornadoes highlights a persistent issue in Nigerian football: the welfare and rights of players. Contractual breaches such as these not only jeopardize players’ careers but also undermine the professionalism and credibility of the NPFL.

Michael claims he was informed of the via a phone call from the team secretary after resuming from the mid-season break on January 8, 2025. He was presented with a mutual termination of contract document dated January 15 but declined to sign it, insisting on receiving the full payment for the remaining months of his contract. Additionally, he is demanding ₦150,000 as unpaid wages for three months, during which he alleges his salary was short by ₦50,000 per month.

Clubs must adhere to FIFA and NPFL standards when managing contracts, ensuring players are treated fairly and with respect. Communication through phone calls and text messages to terminate contracts reflects a lack of professionalism that must be addressed to elevate the league’s status.

The NPFL and the NFF must take decisive action, not only to resolve this case but also to prevent similar occurrences. Players’ welfare should be a non-negotiable priority, as it forms the foundation for sustainable football development.

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. FIFA regulations require that players’ contracts can only be terminated for just cause, and any disputes must be handled through official processes.
   
3. The NPFL has been striving to improve professional standards within the league, with an emphasis on players' welfare and rights.
   
4. Anthony Michael’s case highlights the growing trend of players turning to legal representation to address contract disputes in Nigerian football.
   
5. Niger Tornadoes, based in Minna, Niger State, is a prominent NPFL club with a history of competing at the top level of Nigerian football.
   
6. Mutual contract termination agreements, when properly executed, require consent from both the player and the club, as outlined by FIFA statutes.
   

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