The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2023/24 season closed its curtains over the weekend, with Rangers emerging as champions. While Remo Stars and Enyimba International secured continental spots, the relegation of Sporting Lagos, Doma United, Heartland FC, and Gombe United to the Nigeria National League marked an anti-climax for the four teams
Regardless of some of the dark sports, this season offered a glimpse of a brighter future for the NPFL.
Bright spots
The league is no longer invisible. Matches are now being consistently televised, with viewership figures on the upward trajectory compared to the previous season. This surge, particularly by the Official Broadcasters StarTimes, has allowed fans to follow the games more readily. With an average of four matches weekly on the Beta Sports 244 channel, gradually more fans are expressing interest in the NPFL
This increased visibility can significantly enhance the league’s appeal and draw in a wider audience. There’s a renewed buzz around the stadiums too, with attendance figures up by more than 40% on average. Clubs are capitalizing on this by creating more avenues for fan engagement, such as loyalty programs and interactive social media campaigns, fostering a stronger connection between fans and their teams.
A welcome decline in violent conduct is another positive takeaway. While isolated incidents of fan encroachment persist, maintaining this downward trend is crucial for creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.
Improvement has also been seen in travel arrangements for teams, with clubs like Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars, and Enugu Rangers now flying to certain away venues. However, there’s still room for improvement to ensure standardized travel experiences for all teams.
Challenges remain
Despite these strides, challenges remain. The current N150 million prize tag for the NPFL champions falls short of expectations for a country like Nigeria. Attracting stronger financial backing, ideally in Billions per season, is essential to elevate the league’s professionalism and provide a more sustainable financial base for the clubs.
Upgrading stadiums and training facilities across the country is another crucial step. These improvements will create professional playing environments that meet modern standards and provide a better platform for showcasing the talents of Nigerian footballers.
Investing in youth academies and player development programs will ensure a steady stream of talented young players emerging into the league.
Though the NPFL was quick to sanction erring match officials, enhancing the quality of officiating through stricter training and improved officiating techniques will lead to fairer games and a more respected league.
Better player contracts, salary structures, and healthcare provisions are also crucial to attract and retain talented footballers within the league, making it a more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign players.
The Players Union is in talks with the League board to uphold a standardized minimum salary structure across the league, alongside improved healthcare benefits.
Tough time for private clubs
It’s sad and heartbreaking to see two private clubs (Doma United & Sporting Lagos) relegated.
An in-depth look revealed that financial constraints were a major factor in their relegation. Unlike many government-owned clubs, these private sides struggle with sponsorship and funding.
The NPFL ecosystem needs more private clubs to push business reforms, but we all know it’s a tough job to compete among 15 government clubs.
The Clubs Owners Association is working on a proposal to create a financial support system for privately owned clubs. This could involve fundraising initiatives and exploring alternative sponsorship models.
The Clubs Owners should not give up. They should review the season and get back stronger as soon as possible. Just like Remo Stars, who were relegated twice before finding stability in the NPFL, private clubs must find their motivation in the face of setbacks.
By addressing these challenges and implementing the suggested improvements, the NPFL can continue its upward trajectory and establish itself as a truly professional and competitive league.
This, in turn, will not only benefit the clubs and players but will also serve as a launchpad for Nigerian football to reach even greater heights.
