Transforming The Nigerian Football League

Managers of the Nigeria profes
sional football league, the
League Management Company, (LMC) recently announced measures aimed at improving the Glo Premier League. They have already come up with conditions for clubs and their managers in line with global best practices. Indeed, the changes are expected to take effect before the commencement of the new season.
Some of the changes expected include the abolition of sign-on fees for players, minimum of N150,000 monthly salary for players and upward review to N200,000 from the 2014/2015 league season, standard stadia, clear cut player contract and insurance policies for players among others.
The Tide believes that this intervention can transform football administration in the country and satisfy the demands of the time for football especially, after the experiences of the last African Nations Champions (CHAN) outing in South Africa.
Because of the need to upgrade the league, issues of players’ welfare and quality of facilities have become very critical. Clearly,  measures being put in place by the company have become very commendable as the old order fails to meet the mark.
Indeed, the introduction of international best practices with regard to players’ contract documentation, standard stadia among others hold a promise that qualifies for the support of all stakeholders as well as excite soccer enthusiast.
Also heart-warming is the condition for every team to deposit N100 million to confirm the commitment of the teams. The beauty of this is that it will bring in stability that was never there. With this, challenges with players’ payments, bonuses and other entitlements would be things of the past. Even the secrecy around players contract also comes to an end.
That is why this innovation must work. All the stakeholders, especially state governments that own and sponsor the highest number of football clubs should adjust quickly to accommodate the changes.
The place of football in the global economy should not be forgotten, as Nigeria grapples with the challenges of putting money down to deliberately develop the league and to position her stars to compete for space on the international scene.
In addition to developing infrastructure for football, preparing players and teams for international competitions, the league provides the feed stock for the national teams, a responsibility that can be very demanding. That is why the LMC must ensure that the new rules are pursued to the letter.
Even so, the reforms must not end with the clubs and players welfare, Referees and officiating standards are other aspects that must be looked into. Hooliganism and the issue of security at stadia equally deserve full attention of the company.
Also important is the use of live telecast of matches and sponsorships of the league that should be broadened. The LMC may also need to concern itself with the need of bringing fans back to the stadia for the needed fun and development of fan base.
Nigeria can truly boast of the environment and endowment to run one of the best leagues in Africa and beyond. The process may not be too easy, especially at the beginning, but this is what Nigeria must do to take football to the next level in the country.