CAF Champions League Group Stage Slot: Elegbeleye Led NPFL Board Deserves Accolades After A Seven-Year Wait
By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)
It is no longer news that Nigeria League Runners-up, Rivers United will be pocketing a sum of ₦1.2bn for reaching the CAF Champions League group stage on Sunday but it’s worrisome that expected commendations, accolades and vibes are covertly lacking.
Expectedly, the eviction of other Nigerian representatives at this year continental club football attracted widespread criticism against the league board but the same level of praise was not expended to the same regulators when the ‘Pride of Rivers’ entered a golden chapter in Nigerian football history . Why?
Rivers United overturned a first-leg 1-0 deficit against Black Bulls of Mozambique to progress 3–2 on aggregate, becoming the first Nigerian side to reach the group stage of Africa’s top club competition since Lobi stars appearance in 2018/2019 season.
The victory means Finidi George’s men will join Africa’s elite clubs in the CAF Champions League Group stage scheduled to begin in November.
Rivers United now stand as Nigeria’s only remaining representative on the continent after Abia Warriors and Kwara United were eliminated in the preliminary rounds.
Remo Stars who lost 7–1 aggregate, after a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg in Abeokuta, have also been sent parking.
It’s important to remind the critical stakeholders that the two holy books admonish us to give honour to whom it is due but it seems that many people prefer the opposite wherein failure begets social media glow than success in Nigerian football trajectory.
Going down the memory lane, one will realize that Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has undergone a significant transformation under the leadership of the present Board, led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Through experienced and collaborative leadership, the board has implemented various initiatives that have given a new lease of hope and enthusiasm to league football in Nigeria. The board’s efforts have attracted greater investment, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the league’s visibility.
While there are areas for improvement, the progress made so far is a testament to the board’s dedication and effective governance. How many people laud these initiatives?
Notably, effective governance is the common thread underlying these areas, necessitating innovative problem-solving, strong will, and the introduction or review of regulatory frameworks to drive meaningful change.
With continued enhancement in key areas, the NPFL is poised for sustained growth and success. It has avowed intolerance for illegal betting
The NPFL has a board which administers the league made up notably of a chairman, representatives of club chairmen, secretary and chief operating officer.
It’s didactic to remind the nail sayers that this board will continue to break records and surpass the Olympian heights in global football space.
