Chancellor of the Sports University of Nigeria in Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko, has called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and private stakeholders to build a sustainable and competitive football structure in the country.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, the senator representing Delta North and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development, emphasised that increased private sector participation is vital for the growth of football.
Senator Nwoko identified inadequate funding and weak private investment as major constraints hindering football development nationwide.
“Most of the challenges facing our football ecosystem today are linked to funding. Government alone cannot do everything,” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that the limited number of professionally run clubs has reduced opportunities for players, coaches and referees to gain the exposure required for international competitiveness.
Expanding the number of well-managed clubs, he said, would create more pathways for engagement, professional development, and continental qualification.
Nwoko further stressed that private investment in football should not be viewed solely as financial support for sports, but as a broader contribution to youth empowerment, job creation and the enhancement of Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.