Maigari Wants NPL Issues Resolved

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President Aminu Maigari wants all lingering issues in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) resolved ‘quickly and conclusively’ before the commencement of the 2012/13 League season.

The NPL has been dogged by sponsorship disputes, in-fighting, allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

The problems led to crisis which resulted in the removal of the executive committee and the constitution of an interim Premier League Management Committee.

Inaugurating that committee rececently in Abuja, Maigari directed the members to ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved before the new season kicks off.

“For avoidance of doubt, this is a national assignment of no mean significance,” he says. “The management of the top tier of the domestic league of any country has serious consequences for that nation’s football.

“None of the national teams can be said to have been composed without players from the domestic league, and even those who play overseas start from the home front.

“Certainly, each member of the 2012/13 Premier League Management Committee has been carefully chosen, based on quality of experience, broad-mindedness, capacity, proven ability, painstaking virtues, love of the game and diligence and dedication.

“Importantly, let me add that whatever issues have to sorted out must be done in line with rules and regulations, equity and good conscience. The nation is bigger than any single individual or corporate body, and it is the interest of the nation that we are talking about here.”

Committee chairman Nduka Irabor said it was an honour to be called to serve the nation, and pledged that the members would do their utmost best to redress all issues hindering the development of the Premier League.