EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES IN NIGERIA: CONTRACTUAL PROTECTION, TERMINATION, AND PLAYER WELFARE

Abstract

The professionalization of sport in Nigeria has transformed athletes into employees whose livelihoods depend on legally binding contracts, wages, and welfare protections. Yet, despite the commercial growth of sports, the employment rights of Nigerian athletes remain weakly protected because contracts are often poorly drafted, termination is arbitrary, and welfare provisions such as health insurance, pensions, and post-career support are either absent or inconsistently enforced. This gap not only undermines the dignity of athletes but also exposes Nigerian sports federations and clubs to reputational and legal risks. This paper critically examines the employment rights of professional athletes in Nigeria, focusing on three interrelated areas: contractual protection, termination of contracts, and player welfare. It analyses the extent to which Nigerian law, including the Labour Act, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Statutes, and international instruments like the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), provides safeguards for athletes. The article argues that while statutes and federation rules acknowledge contractual obligations, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, and athletes often lack effective remedies when their rights are breached. Drawing on comparative insights from jurisdictions where professional athletes enjoy robust employment protections, the article highlights best practices that Nigeria can adopt. It proposes reforms to strengthen contract standardisation, limit arbitrary termination, and institutionalise welfare provisions such as medical cover, insurance, and retirement benefits. By embedding these protections into Nigeria’s sports governance, athletes can be recognised not merely as entertainers but as employees entitled to fair treatment under the law.