The NPFL, A Cut Above Most African Leagues, AS Cotonou's James Abel Compares The Ligue 1 to NPFL

Come every football season, there is no shortage of African football stars jumping ship to try to strut their stuff with clubs abroad, away from their native homes.

Whether it be swapping the Nigeria Professional Football League for the Egyptian Premier League or the South African PSL or the Angolan Girabola, players want to test their skills on something new, and try out uncharted grounds in the continent.

For James Abel, it is somewhat of a poignant feeling to learn the quality of the NPFL, and its supremacy as compared to some of the other African football leagues around.

Now plying his trade with AS Cotonou, the seasoned NPFL campaigner in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com details his experiences in the Benin top flight, outlining his discoveries and ruing his missed chance of representing Nigeria with the CHAN Eagles in next year's competition. 

The NPFL, A Cut Above Ligue 1

Having spent close to two years in the Ligue 1 since arriving Cotonou from Wikki Tourists in 2023, Abel knows a thing or two about the level of football being played in these two countries.

And the former Enyimba center-back who was then under the tutelage of ex-Super Eagles manager Finidi George in Aba buttressed his observations while he's being on the books of the club.

"There is really very little in terms of comparison", Abel told SportsBoom.com. "If you look at the profile playing in the NPFL gives you, and you bring it down to us here and place it side by side, you understand what I'm saying."

"The NPFL is a big league. Everyone wants to play there, even my mates here at AS. I have played for a couple of teams in the NPFL, so I know it is of great quality.

"Maybe in terms of money, it is not the best because when I came here, no team was going to match what I earn with AS Cotonou now.

"Most of us that left during that time needed a new challenge, and we thought the Ligue 1 would offer that, as financially it was a better one. But I can't say the same for the football played", Abel remarked.

"Then, I wanted to move again from here to another league, but the deal wouldn't work out as I wished, so I'm just having to plan returning to the NPFL, maybe this mercato."

Missing Out On The CHAN Roster

"I missed out on a call-up to the CHAN Eagles because I'm hundred percent sure I would have been in the team. "Even I had some top guys call me, but it was like it makes little sense inviting me playing here.

"I was gutted, but there is nothing I can do about it, but I will be cheering my mates to go on and bring home the title next year."

Possible Move Back To The NPFL

"Yes, I'm planning a return to the NPFL, I'm already in talks with a number of teams. They know me, they know me very well in the league so I don't think they should be a problem with getting back in there.

"It's 90% sure I will be back, and I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to be back. For now, I will not like to disclose or talk teams, or teams I have talked with but be rest assured everything will be known and made public soon. I prefer not to reveal that one for now."

The Fan Passion In Nigeria

"For me, I think Nigerians are very passionate about football, more than I've seen here. Those days, we could be playing a game in the scorching sun and people are there watching, cheering.

They want their teams to win, they always want it that way. It is crazy sometimes, the way they forget it is football and it can be anybody's day.

They always want to feel the heat more than the players themselves, that's one thing I like about the fans. I can't wait to feel that atmosphere again."