Ahmedu backs NNL, Betpawa sponsorship deal, says nothing wrong with it

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

FIBA Zone 3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd.) has come out to support the recent sponsorship deal between Nigeria National League  ( NNL) and sports betting  company, Betpawa;  saying that it will help in improving the most important league in the country.

The NNL late last week signed a Locker Room Bonus sponsorship deal with the company valued at  over  ₦494 million

intended to  directly rewards players for every victory.

Writing on the deal in a popular WhatsApp group Ahmedu dismissed concerns raised by some stakeholders as nothing to worry about.

According to him, the first question people should ask is whether it’s ideal for a betting company to sponsor and we all know that the answer is yes and as such the NNL is on the right track.

He advised Nigerians to support Mr. George Aluo’s board in their great innovations to move the league to a higher pedestal and not to engage in unnecessary distractions which will have negative impact of the country’s football development.

Hear him…”I had refrained from making comments on this issue which has been on for some days on FUBS, but reading your comments has compelled me to say something to the extent that I know. My comments will be from my background as a former member of the FIBA ( World) Legal Commission – 2019 – 2023, NBBF member during the days of the 7up League, a deal I brokered ( without commission fa) and present member of the NBBF and  FIBA  Africa Central Board / Executive Committee which is in partnership with the NBA/ BAL for the Basketball Africa League.

My first point is whether  it is normal for a betting company to sponsor sporting events. The answer we all know is YES, but the question being raised by those showing concern is whether the integrity of the Sports and in some cases that it undermines the NF Board  if the betting company is allowed to deal directly with the Clubs in payments of certain bonuses and emoluments against the background that as a betting company they may lure some of the players and teams into match fixing to their own advantage. Presently 1xBet , a Sports betting company,  is a FIBA sponsor. Before they were accepted as Sponsors, the FIBA  Legal Commission deliberated on their proposal in Geneva and all these points being raised were covered and  ways to checkmate  likelihood of match fixing were covered. While I may not be able to reel out those safeguards, I can categorically say it does exist and I believe that the same would  apply to other Sports betting companies in other Sports, including Betpower in every material particular.

My next point is regards to paying money directly to Clubs and players directly and not through the Federation Board. This is absolutely normal and does not  infringe on the independence of a Federation Board. In a related case, during the 7Up Basketball League Sponsorship which began in 1995, Clubs were paid their subsidies  and players bonuses along with all the monthly awards directly by the Sponsors 7Up.( Remember  the 7up Corporate Affiars guy Mr. Cheshire always performed that ritual at the Indoor hall of the National Stadium. The media guys were also not left out. Persons like Pius Ayinor ( chai, it have tayed) and  Toyin Ibitoye ( then of Channels  TV Sports)  and now of FUBS, amongst others,  were winners of the individual media awards too. It did not affect the integrity of the NBBF then in any way. Take also the partnership between FIBA and the NBA for the Basketball Africa League. The NBA is the main Sponsor but they pay monies  directly to all the Clubs and the players and not through FIBA. What the Federation Board and FIBA are entitled to are the organizational fees to handle technical matters.

Another thing we need to look at is that these days Sponsors are very circumspect in realizing their funds anyhow to our NFs where in a lot of cases Accountability is non existent. If there is no confidence in the minds of the sponsor why would they release their funds when they are aware of the peculiar nature of how some of our NFs operate. There are instances where NFs leadership collect sponsorship funds and do not declare same to their Board members or where a Board does not have an official Account. What should the sponsor do, whether it is  a betting company or otherwise?

“He who pays the piper should dictate the tune”, and so if a Federation Board can not cope with the arrangement propose by the Sponsor, it is within its right to reject the Sponsorship. But what good does it do for the sports? Should the integrity and independence of a Federation Board override the financial support to the Clubs and players which is the greatest catalyst for the development of the sport?

I doff my hat to the NFF team which accepted the Betpower Sponsorship which at the end is a win- win for all concerned. I say well done to them.  Though, anyone  caught in match fixing will face the consequence. Otherwise, na “integrity and independence of NF we go chop”?. My ten Naira!.”