Nigeria Premier League Begins Against Odds

Certainly, the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League season would begin tomorrow in all centres across the country.

The league had faced several postponements due to the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which led now been resolved based on a gentleman’s agreement.

The reinstatement of the Aminu-Maigan led board had to the setting up of the Referees’ Appointment Committee and other bodies responsible for the effective monitoring of the league.

Despite the positive development, stakeholders are still concerned over the many problems which had affected the poor standard of the league.

Among them is the absence of a title sponsor for this season after telecommunications giant, Globacom pulled out of a deal to renew its sponsorship of the league.

The absence of a sponsor, means the league board would be lacking the financial power to properly administer its secretariat.

Most leagues in the world depend on the proceeds of sponsorship, endorsements, branding and TV rights, to survive.

Another major problem is the lack of interest by fans in attending league matches. Poor attendance during league matches in recent history has been due to insecurity at league venues and poor officiating by referees.

Most fans who had unwillingly visited league venues have had cause to complain on how referees openly favour home teams.

Besides, fans prefer to sit in the comfort of their homes to watch European league matches.

To reverse the trend, the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye and other sports personalities have advocated a change in the timing of the league.

The Commissioner, when asked on how the interest of Nigerians in the league can be revived said matches should be played in the evening under floodlights.

The absence of strong followership for the league has led to the loss of revenue for clubs, which could have been ploughed into infrastructure development and improvement of player’s welfare.

The whole problem confronting the growth of our league to other leagues especially in Africa is the problem of leadership, said John Amaowoh, a journalist and soccer enthusiast.

“Just like the larger political terrain, our football has been infested with characters that are fit only for school sports and their end interest is not for the advancement of the league, but how they can share in the booty that comes into the system,” he said.

Amaowoh believes that ex-internationals should be given the chance to manage football for the country, noting that politicians are interested in their personal gains.

On his part, Mainayo Igani, said until the body responsible for the appointment of referees is independent, the issue of fair officiating would be a mirage.

Igani noted that a situation where referees who are sent to officiate a match are being pampered by the state football association was unhealthy.

“The referees committee has to be independent to guarantee fair officiating, a situation where they are being treated by state Football Associations as demi-gods when they are sent down is not good,” he said.

The chairman of the Sharks FC Supporters Club also called on fans not to intimidate referees during league games.

The league opens this weekend with Kaduna United entertaining neighbour, Kano Pillars with both sides looking for a positive start to the new season.

Kano Pillars are without their prized striker, Ahmed Musa who notched in 18 goals last season that propelled the team to second place but officials of the team are upbeat that the opening match would be competitive.

All other teams would play on Sunday, with Rivers State-owned teams Dolphins FC and Sharks FC eyeing the league title.

Sharks would lock horns with JUTH FC at home, but would be banking on their devastating form at the continental level to get the three points at stake.

Akonte Samuel/Grace Nwaimo