Sports
Ex-Arsenal Chief Urges Resolution Of NPL Crisis
A former Vice-President of Arsenal FC of London, David Dein, has urged the Nigeria’s football stakeholders to close ranks to resolve the crisis currently bedevilling the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).
Dein told newsmen at the Eko Atlantic Beach in Lagos that the ongoing impasse may stunt the growth of the league.
The NPL’s 2012/2013 season that was scheduled to kick off on December13, had to be postponed because of the dissolution of the body’s board on December 5 by the NPL Congress.
The development had since thrown the league into a quandary, following which the scheduled commencement of the league was again postponed until February 16, 2013.
The league’s regulatory body had been caught up in series of intractable crises since 2010, which had led to the league being denied of a viable title sponsor, to run its programmes.
“So it’s very important that you get together and put a halt to the festering crisis that has engulfed the league. The NPL needs a strong leadership at the helm.
“You know, if you are rowing a boat and your passengers are not heading in the same direction with you, the boat will end up going in circles.
“I am not being critical of Nigeria, but the developments in the NPL could be likened to the country’s fractious politics,” the former vice-president said. When asked to assess the continent’s football development and its prospects, Dein told NAN that organisation was a critical factor.
“It boils down to organisation: a strong board of directors. We need people in this business for the right reasons, not for any purpose or gain, because people have to be true to what they do.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.
Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.
Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.
Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.
Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.
It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.
Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.
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