If NPFL clubs pay well, I won’t go to Iraq – Ifeanyi Ifeanyi

From the heart of Iraq's football scene, Nigerian midfielder Ifeanyi Ifeanyi shares his experiences, offering a unique perspective on the sport in a region grappling with geopolitical uncertainties. While the Middle East has seen its share of tensions, Ifeanyi, based in Najaf, notes that life and football have largely continued, albeit with underlying concerns.

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Iraq has been good. When the issues started, we were a bit worried about the uncertainties. Nobody knows what could happen in the next minute as a neighbouring country to Iran. I stay in Najaf, which is two hours away from the capital.

He describes the Iraqi league as a challenging environment where clubs are striving to elevate their standards. Having joined Al Najaf in January, Ifeanyi acknowledges the pressure, particularly as the team fights against relegation. He points out the common dynamic where foreign players often bear the brunt of criticism when the team falters, a sentiment familiar to many expatriate athletes.

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Football here is difficult and they are trying to set their standards high, too. I think they have been affected by war before, so they are trying to rebuild. They sign players from every part of the world, including Europe and South America. The league is getting tougher, I have to put it that way.

Ifeanyi's career path has been a winding one, taking him from Nigeria to Algeria, Uzbekistan, and now Iraq. This journey underscores the global nature of professional football and the opportunities, as well as the adversities, faced by players seeking to make their mark internationally. His reflections offer a glimpse into the realities of football outside the major European leagues, highlighting the dedication and resilience required.

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I’m doing my best on and off the pitch because when the team is not doing well, they blame it on the foreigners. When the team is doing well, they still don’t praise the foreigners; they praise their local boys. But we know the foreigners are not the problem.