The trajectory of the Nigerian Football League has been alarming and disturbing in recent years. Once a league that produced football stars competing globally, it has now become a shadow of its former self. The league, once envied by other African nations, is now viewed with pity and disdain.
The Nigerian Premier League, which used to attract players from across Africa, witnessed a decline in quality. Many players who represented the Super Eagles in the 90s and preceding years emerged from the local league. However, corruption, mismanagement, political interference, and incompetent administrators have tarnished the league’s reputation, robbing the nation of a source of pride.
Government interference is identified as one of the key reasons for the league’s sorry state. In very few places globally, do you see government involvement in the local league as deeply entrenched as in Nigeria? For instance, in Saudi Arabia, where the government controls the local league, the rationale is different—it serves as a means to open up the nation and advance other sporting ambitions. Nigeria, with its oil wealth, faces challenges as government involvement tends to be more about control for political reasons rather than genuine sports development.
The continued ownership of clubs by state governments poses a significant hurdle. While it could be positive if the goal were to develop these teams and drive sports development, the reality is that many state governors maintain control for political leverage, particularly during elections.
Addressing the unsustainable structure of state-owned teams is crucial. Sporting Lagos has demonstrated the potential success of privately managed clubs, emphasizing the need for more teams to follow suit. A league overseen by competent administrators, capable professionals, and featuring privately owned clubs, supported by a conducive government environment, could revive the Nigerian Football League’s glory days. However, sacrifices and a shift in the current ownership structure are necessary to achieve this goal.
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