Nigeria Leagues
Ex-MFM’s Tony Bolus alleges interference, reveals power struggle at NPFL club
By Dayo Awoniyi
Former MFM FC head coach Tony Bolus has revealed alleged behind-the-scenes interference during his time at the club, claiming he was asked to sack 15 players to make room for academy players linked to club officials.
In a candid interview, Bolus said the request came just two weeks before the start of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, and that his refusal set off a chain of internal conflict that ultimately affected the team’s performance.
“The then director requested that I release 15 players and recruit from his brother’s academy just two weeks before the league commenced, which I opposed,” Bolus said.
The former coach, who had vowed to run a transparent and merit-based system, suggested his resistance to such demands led to sabotage from within.
“Notably, that season witnessed two away victories, and he began to undermine my efforts, leading to home losses,” he alleged.
Bolus did not name the official involved but said the experience reflects deeper issues within club management structures in Nigerian football.
“If you choose to criticize the coach, we are aware of the circumstances,” he added, addressing fans and critics of the team’s results.
MFM FC, once celebrated for its youthful style and for producing standout players like Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun, has in recent seasons faced a decline in both results and league standing, amid growing reports of internal instability.
Bolus’s revelation adds to ongoing concerns about interference, poor governance, and the lack of professional autonomy granted to coaches in the domestic league.
