The Nigerian Premier League (NPL) yesterday in Abuja lauded Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s courage in deciding to put Sharks and Dolphins football clubs on the market.

Amaechi said on Wednesday that the government was considering selling the clubs because of “high financial demands’’.

The clubs are being managed by the state government. The Acting Executive Secretary of the NPL, Mr Tunji Babalola, told newsmen in an interview that the intention of the governor was a welcomed development for the Nigerian League.

Babalola said that the Rivers Government was already “thinking in the direction” of the Federation of International Football Federations (FIFA) which had canvassed for private management of league clubs in the country.

“At the just-concluded administrative course organised by FIFA here in Abuja, the 20 Premier League clubs agreed that the only way to move the league forward was for it to be managed by private individuals or firms.

“We believe we will get there one day,” Babalola said.

He said things work professionally when clubs are managed by private individuals.

“What do you think would happen when a state government decides to bring his in-law who knows nothing about football to manage or be the chairman of a state football club?

“In this case, you have to consider whether the person is competent or not.”

The NPL scribe said political affiliations should not be the basis for appointing managers of clubs in the country, adding that targets were easily met when clubs are managed by corporate entities.

Babalola, however, pointed out that inconsistency of government policies had prevented most Nigerian clubs from achieving their goals.