The problem with the Nigerian Professional Football League.

   Kano Pillars were once again crowned the champions of the Glo NPFL for 2013/2014 season. The club was amazing, home and away. Rabiu Ali would be an easy pick for anyone who watched their games. He pulled strings effectively. In the Federation cup, old timers Enyimba of Aba beat Dolphins to the trophy. The season was not devoid of the normal occurrences but it is noteworthy to point out that their has been a massive improvement in the general organisation. Compared to what was obtainable,the Nigerian football league took a leap forward in the just concluded season. Credit to the League Management Committee, the NFF, the management and players of the various club side. Most importantly, the fans,without whom their would be no football.
   The league has to however be made more attractive. Both for the players and fans alike. The two players widely touted as the Ronaldo/Messi of the NPFL, Emem Eduok of Dolphins and Mfon Udoh of Enyimba have either finalised their deals to play outside the country or working on it. Feelers is that Emem is already signed on for Esperance of Tunisia. This is coming at the back heel of claims by a Norwegian club side that they had signed him on. That is by the way,however. Silently, I prayed to the hearing of my friends that the duo would remain in the league by next season. A prayer to which my friends' response was that I am a 'winch',ie, I don't want the progress of the boys. Far from that however, it was a prayer made in good faith. The two would have been the face of the league had they stayed. And yes, I want the best for the boys. The NPFL would have benefitted from their stay. Shirts would have been sold, fans would have been drawn to the stadia, sponsors would have shown up,willing to do business and so on. But then for the good of their career they had to leave. Question is; is the Nigerian football league not a good place to 'stay on'? I don't blame players that leave,especially the strikers. Attackers can be likened to pretty young girls. They are full of life when they are scoring and are expected to maximise whatever opportunity comes with it.
   The league is not attractive. The majority of Nigeria's football community are more committed to European leagues than the local league. Even when the gate fee is less than N200 (two hundred naira), people aren't interested.       Quality of officiating is one factor militating against interest in the league. Aside the improvement in this regard last season, it was always a sham. Comedy show. Sometimes you see a referee telling the favoured side,mostly the home side what to do in order to be gifted a penalty or an offside goal. Then again, safety of the match officials aren't adequately put into consideration. Their safety isn't in most cases guaranteed so they protect themselves by being openly biased. Thank God for the NPFL deal with Supersport. This has gone a long way in curbing referee's marijuana induced officiating. Knowing they are live on television, they reduce their level of craze.
   Non payment of players wages is another factor. Last season, players of Sharks (abi Dolphin) took their mattreses and slept in front of the Rivers State government house in protest to non payment of allowances and salaries! Continental shame!! I have a problem with government 'ownership' of football clubs in Nigeria but IF a state government is running a club then they should run it well. These players have families to take care of. But even if they don't, it's their jobs and when they are doing it, they should get paid as and at when due. Biko, maka stories that touch, football is not best played on an empty stomach or on the back of unfulfilled promises.
   Lack of infrastructure. This is the one I refuse to understand. It's a topic I will write on separately, but I crave indulgence to mention it in passing. For instance, before the commencement of the last professional football league season in the country, Bayelsa State had 2 (two) club sides vying for honours; Bayelsa United and Nembe City. United is state sponsored while City is a private franchise. Ordinarily the state should have been hopeful of giving the title a chase. But when the state government couldn't ready the Samson Siasia stadium in time for the resumption of hostilities, I commented that either Nembe City or Bayelsa United or even both,would be relegated at the end of the season. Reason? Nembe City were designated to play in Omokhu, Rivers state while Bayelsa United would play in Benin. The league has ended. The rest is history.
   The glory of the Nigerian football league can be restored. It can. It will only require smart work by the people running the league. It won't happen in a day or two, but over time, we can get the league back to her glory days. Sincerely I am trying to see how the average football fan in Nigeria will leave a Chelsea vs Arsenal fixture and go to watch the Oriental derby between Heartland and Rangers International at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri . As impossible as it may sound, i see it as feasible. With the right moves, it can happen in the nearest future.

Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter;  @ikenna005