Former Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has highlighted the potential for the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to become the best football league in Africa.
Speaking to journalists, Elegbeleye emphasized that with the right structure, investment, and policies in place, the NPFL has the potential to rival other top football leagues in Africa and beyond.
However, he acknowledged that significant work needs to be done to improve the quality of football in the league, as well as addressing issues such as poor stadium infrastructure, insufficient funding, and lack of adequate media coverage.
Elegbeleye also underscored the need for stakeholders in the Nigerian football community, including government officials, club owners, and administrators, to work together to create a sustainable and thriving football ecosystem that benefits all involved.
In particular, he called on the government to provide more financial support for the development of grassroots football, which he sees as a critical component of the overall success of Nigerian football.
Overall, Elegbeleye’s comments serve as a reminder of the tremendous potential that the NPFL holds, and the importance of working collaboratively to unlock this potential and establish the Nigerian football league as a dominant force in the sport across the continent.
It is important to note that while football can be a source of pride and joy for many Nigerians, it is also essential to prioritize the well-being of players and ensure that they are not subjected to unsafe or exploitative working conditions. Any efforts to strengthen and grow the NPFL must be done in accordance with established ethical and legal standards.
