Sports photographer reveals shocking amount paid to ball boys in Nigeria Football League

In a shocking revelation, a popular sports photographer in Nigeria, Taofeek Sheikh Ibrahim, has exposed the meager earnings of ball boys in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

According to the young professional, the unsung heroes of the game receive a paltry sum of N300 per match, an amount that falls dramatically short of meeting even the most basic expenses.

With the rising cost of living on the high side in Nigeria, the amount being paid to the youngsters can hardly cover the price of a bottle of Coke, let alone address other essential needs, including their transportation, footwear, socks, and other needed kits.

Mr. Taofeek, who was at the Kwara State Stadium to cover the week 32 match between Kwara United and Rivers United, quoted a ball boy named Kamaldeen who joined Kwara State Sports Stadium early last year (2023); in his own words, “we get paid N300 per match.”

The disparity in earnings between the players on the field and the ball boys who facilitate the smooth running of matches highlights a systemic issue within the football system in the West African country.

The plight of ball boys in Nigeria serves as a serious reminder of the challenges faced by many in the pursuit of their passion for football.

The finding also brings into question the justice and parity within the football industry, leading to calls for increased support and recognition for everybody participating in the sport, regardless of their function.