‘League won’t develop when players are owed’

Bright Onyedikachi is one of the emerging stars of the Nigeria Professional Football League. The confirmation that his immense talent is being appreciated was a  call up to the Super Eagles Team B that beat Burkina Faso to a ticket to the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda  recently. In this chat with ESTHER EGBE, he discuses his rise to prominence

WHAT is your assessment of the NPFL?
I will say the standard of the league is actually on the rise. A few years back, it was so backward it irked everyone, but things have been improving, though slowly. Now, teams travel and win away. This is a major change from what used to be the norm. Players now have confidence that they can win points on the road for their teams if they play very well.
If you are given the opportunity to make one change in the administration of the NPFL, what will it be?
Clubs do not respect contracts with players, they don’t keep to contractual agreements. If I have the opportunity to change anything in the NPFL, it will be that. I will ensure that contracts are binding. The league will not effectively develop when players are owed backlog of salaries and bonuses.
Which team do you tip to win the league this season?
I think with the way Enyimba are going about their games, they are poised to win the NPFL again.
Which ground have you witnessed the largest crowd of fans?
That is in Katsina State. The crowd that came to watch the match we played there was really astounding. Its the largest crowd of fans that ever came to see a match I played.
Have you been to the national camp before?
Yes, I have been invited three times now. It’s a good experience to be called to the national team, because it s an indication that a player is appreciated. Given such opportunity, he will do better.
What are your expectations now that you have been called to the national team camp?
It is to serve my country and prove that given such opportunity I can become better. It is the dream of every player to play for his country and if lucky play at the biggest stages of the game like the Nations Cup and  World Cup.