Dung noted that the delay left many of his former teammates struggling to survive, adding that some are battling health challenges.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Plateau United midfielder and member of the 2017 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title-winning squad, Jerome Dung, has expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises made by ex-Governor, Simon Lalong.
He made his feelings known in a recent heartfelt appeal he made to the incumbent Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
In 2017, Lalong during a celebratory reception promised the players 1.5 million naira each and plots of land
for securing the club’s first NPFL title.
In addition to the players’ rewards, promises were made to the technical staff, with then-technical adviser Kennedy Boboye set to receive 2.5 million naira, while other crew members were promised 2 million naira each.
However, speaking via his social media page, Dung revealed that neither the players nor the coaching staff have received the promised rewards.
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He wrote, “Eight years have passed since we defied all odds to win the league in the 2016/2017 season for our beloved Plateau United FC, aka Lalong Boys, Governor Simon Lalong was thrilled by our performance and promised us 1.5 million naira each and a plot of land in appreciation. Despite this, eight years have gone by and we have yet to see that money or the land.”
He added that the delay left many of his former teammates struggling to survive, with some now retired and battling financial hardship.
He also recalled the plight of the late Coach Audu Pele, who died because his family could not afford medical treatment.
“This is the reality some of my teammates and coaches are facing. It is heartbreaking that a historic feat for Plateau State is remembered with broken promises,” he added
Dung, who played for Plateau United from 2014 to 2020 before moving to Switzerland in 2022, appealed to Governor Mutfwang to intervene and ensure the pledges are honoured.
“Of the 45 players in our team, 23 were not even from Plateau, yet they fought valiantly to achieve this historic feat. We simply want what we worked hard for and deserve,” he further said.
