Is NPFL brand gradually rising to global standards?

By Victor Okoye

Amidst the economic downturn affecting various sectors, football development in Nigeria has encountered significant setbacks, primarily due to funding among challenges.

Indeed, the journey to building a resilient football league is an enduring process, marked by numerous obstacles.

Some of the challenges included crowd control which has seen teams like Kano Pillars severely punished, low match attendance, broadcast issues, poor officiating, win-home-games at-all-costs.

NPFL plans players’ salary review in 2025/2026 season – Elegbeleye

As the curtain fell on 2024, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reviews some positive strives the league has recorded as it continues its positive trajectory under the chairmanship of Gbenga Elegbeleye.

The areas of improvement signify hope for the league in Nigeria as it aims to rub shoulders with the best in Africa and beyond and atain global standards.

The NPFL has been making strides in recent years, with various statistics pointing to its growing reputation and competitiveness. Here are some key indicators:

Increased Global Reach

One of the greatest challenges the professional football league games faced in Nigeria is that fans who cannot watch their darling teams live at stadia do not have the opportunity to watch them on television.

However, this has changed as NPFL management has expanded its broadcast reach, with selected matches now being televised live on NPFL TV and NTA.

Improved Stadium Infrastructure

Poor quality of stadium infrastructure has been another of concern to football lovers in the country. Many dressing rooms related facilities such as rest rooms were in poor shape.

The most worrisome of these is the deplorable state of the football pitches. This not only affected players performance but also made live telecast very difficult as the stadia were not television-friendly.

In recent times, the League Management Company has certified 13 stadiums across the country as meeting minimum requirements to host games, with another 11 recommended for upgrades.

Competitive Matches

The 2020/2021 season saw a record-breaking 18-match unbeaten run by Akwa United, surpassing previous records set by Enyimba and Kano Pillars.

Growing Participation

The NPFL has maintained a consistent format, featuring 20 teams from across the country, with four teams promoted from the Nigeria National League.

International Recognition

Nigeria’s national team has a rich history, with three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles and six World Cup appearances and the Super Eagles B team just qualified for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya in February.

Interestingly, this latest feat is coming six years after the Super Eagles last appeared at the biennial continental tournament meant solely for players plying their trade in their local national leagues at their various countries.

Nigeria for the very first time, thrashed Ghana 3-1 in a second leg final qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, after playing out a goalless draw in the first leg in Ghana, to book a berth to the eight edition of the championship.

While there’s still room for growth and improvement, these statistics demonstrate the NPFL’s gradual rise to global standards, with increased investment in infrastructure, growing competitiveness, and expanding global reach.

Football in Nigeria is not just a sport; it is a multifaceted enterprise that provides entertainment, employment, career opportunities, and youth development while serving as a rallying point for national unity and cohesion.

In spite of these immense values, the actualisation of football’s full potential in Nigeria remains a work in progress.

As the most populous black nation, with over 200 million people and a youth population exceeding 65 per cent, Nigeria holds immense potential for football.

The sport resonates deeply with the youth, offering them hope, inspiration, and opportunities.

Unfortunately, many young Nigerians are more captivated by international football, drawn by its superior quality of play, glamorous players, and engaging fan culture.

These elements create a stark contrast with the local league, which struggles to match the allure of foreign competitions.

Skillful dribbles, breathtaking goals, and electrifying saves make international football irresistible, but the NPFL can rise to similar heights with focused efforts.

The league has seen a decline over the past three decades, but recent developments indicate that transformation is possible if genuine actors and stakeholders sustain the momentum.

The key lies in addressing fundamental issues and building the required infrastructure for long-term growth.

To realise its potential, the Nigerian government must create an enabling environment for football and the broader sports industry to thrive.

These includes improving security, upgrading sports facilities, and fostering an ecosystem that attracts investments.

Club administrators must also play their part by enhancing fan experiences through exciting side attractions and incentives to grow attendance and engagement.

As FIFA President Gianni Infantino aptly stated, “Football is also business.” Harnessed effectively, football can become a significant revenue driver for Nigeria.

Elegbeleye told NAN in an interview that the league can only be attractive to investors through transparency, credibility and well-motivated referees to render their best.

He stressed that the league organisers will not compromise standard, added they will ensure that the rules are adhered to without nepotism.

“We have started with the reduction of three points from any erring team and financial punishment to ensure that the visiting teams are not intimidated.

“Since we started reducing three points, it is the home teams that are now protecting away teams”

“The home team must win syndrome has reduced drastically, on match day one of the current season, we recorded no fewer than four away wins.”

“We must insist on the rule and not compromising the standards to get it right. There are lots of investors who are ready to partner us for the growth of the league,” he said.

Indeed, the NPFL’s progress can unlock substantial economic benefits, from job creation to tourism and international recognition.

In spite of the dominance of foreign leagues, the NPFL has had its share of magic moments, producing homegrown talents like Kingsley Edowu, Philip Azango, Ahmed Musa, Daniel Akpeyi, and Steven Odey.

These players have excelled on the global stage, showcasing the league’s potential to nurture world-class links.

Their success underscores the importance of investing in local talent and supporting grassroots development.

The role of corporate sponsorship can also not be overemphasised.

The patriotic contributions of a few companies are injecting the much-needed vitality into the NPFL.

With sustained support, the league can achieve global recognition and compete with its international counterparts.

These partnerships would not only boost the league’s financial stability, but will also enhance its professional standards.

Although NPFL is not at the level of English Premier League (EPL), Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga or Egyptian League yet, observers of developments in the sports sector say Elegbeleye leadership has brough  some giant positive strives.

They say if the momentum is sustained the reward for the country’s football will be enormous.

 

News Agency of Nigeria