How Nigeria professional league (NPFL) can improve

How the Nigerian professional League can improve its current state.

The Nigerian professional league (NPFL) as it currently called, is ranked 8th in Africa. though still regarded as one of the best in the continent, it is still way below what it used to be. 

Research has shown that the league has dwindled since the late 2000s, but it has still produced some good players who are making the country proud outside the shores of Africa.

So, the concern and question Nigerian football faithfuls are asking is, how can we improve the standard of our league. In this article, I listed and explained some of the ways the league Management Company (LMC) can improve the NPFL. 

1. TV Sponsorship and rights

Most European and other developed leagues prioritize TV rights as it comes with so many financial and other benefits. One of the benefits it brings, is the financial benefit. 

TV rights will improve local clubs financial status as money will be shared among clubs based on the number of matches shown live on TV. this will go a long way to help clubs offset cub wage bills, because as it is well known, most players are owed in Nigeria by the clubs they play for at different levels. 

TV rights will also help to increase fans interest in Nigeria club football. with more matches on live TV, many Nigerians will pick more interest in our local league and this might in turn entice them to go to stadiums on match days.

2. Implement a standard for coaching in NPFL

Most coaches in the Nigerian local league, their only qualification is having the experience as formal players. the LMC must ensure that our coaches especially those in the league have a minimum standard of qualification. Our coaches can not get jobs out side our shores because they are not qualified.

3. Train Coaches 

There are some things you seen around the country during training sessions that makes you wonder. Football is like ballet, the more you practice, the better the synergy. Scoring goals from free-kicks corner kicks, forward runs etc, do not just come like that, they come from good coaching and practice. So if the league management want better players in our leagues, then the LMC must ensure that the foundation is Right.

4. Remove or Ban Corrupt Referees

A league where referees are business men who sell games to the highest bidder would not grow. there have been repeated cases of referees accepting bribe from clubs to manipulate a match.

In summary, there are so many other things the League Management Company (LMC) can do to improve our local league. But for sake of this post, we'll end here. We hope the management do the right thing.