NFF moves to strengthen quality of Nigeria’s Leagues
The leadership of Nigeria’s football has moved to sustain the gains so far made in the various leagues and improve on them.
Following complaints from stakeholders on some welfare issues capable of disrupting the topflight league in particular, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick has presided over a meeting to chart a more robust course for the various leagues including; the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and the Nigeria Nationwide League One (League One).
Although full details of the moves made by the NFF’s leadership to end the lingering non- settlement of officials’ indemnities were not disclosed, the meeting deliberated on niggling issues around the League particularly welfare of officials and resolved to tackle matters head-on in the interest of the domestic game.
Pinnick said he was delighted with the broadcast and quality of production of Nigeria Professional Football League matches on the Nigeria Television Authority and the NPFL.TV since the commencement of the new season.
He said the Federation was determined that no factor would be allowed to derail the present gains as the NPFL season enters Week 10, and the NNL and NWFL matches also trudge on.
“We are all impressed with the matches being on television and the special app (NPFL.TV) and have enjoyed the quality of production which compares to the very best anywhere.
“However, it is time to look critically at certain niggling factors and ensure we tackle them decisively in order not to erode the gains we have been able to make.
“We must keep at what we are doing, maintain the standard and even strive for improvement where possible, and we can be sure that we will reap the gains in the coming seasons,” Pinnick stressed.
The NFF supremo who is gunning for a seat in the 37-member FIFA Council also promised that the Federation would do anything within its capacity to ensure that standard of officiating continues to improve, while safety, security and medical issues are given the utmost attention and seriousness.
Consensus
There was a consensus at the meeting that the sustainability of good officiating and broadcast of the matches will solve most of the problems associated with the domestic game in previous years.
Pinnick also issued a stern warning to officials of the various leagues to shun acts capable of putting the domestic game in bad light.
The meeting had in attendance the NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (also Chairman of the Football Committee); Mallam Shehu Dikko (NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman, LMC); Alhaji Sharif Inuwa (NFF Executive Member/Chairman, Referees Committee); Senator Obinna Ogba (NFF Executive Member/Chairman, NNL); Tade Azeez (President, Nigeria Referees Association) and; Dr Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary).
Also present at the meeting were Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme (Deputy General Secretary); Mallam Salihu Abubakar (Chief Operating Officer, LMC); Mr Ademola Olajire (Director of Communications); Ms Ruth David (Ag. Director of Competitions); Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman (Head of National Competitions); Mr Emmanuel Adesanya (COO, NNL); Ms Modupe Shabi (COO, NWFL) and Mr Shola Ogunnowo (COO, NLO).
NP/Mercy Chukwudiebere
