Amokachi, Ikpeba Hail NNL, Urge More Private Club Ownership in Nigeria

The recent NNL Super Four Tournament draw ceremony in Lagos has sparked important conversations among Nigerian football legends about the future of our domestic league. Former stars Daniel Amokachi and Victor Ikpeba have rightly pointed out that increased private ownership and investment are crucial for sustained growth.

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Football is not business here yet. We have to make football business.

It's heartening to see that all four teams promoted to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) are privately owned. This trend, as highlighted by Amokachi, signifies a shift towards making football a true business in Nigeria, a sentiment echoed by his pidgin commentary on the increasing number of private teams making it to the top flight.

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Now na four for the NNL, now the number dey increase. Next year again, na private (Teams) go still make am to the NPFL.

Ikpeba's emphasis on the importance of domestic football, stemming from his own grassroots experience, is a vital reminder that the Super Eagles' success is built on a strong foundation at home. The NNL, as he rightly observes, is a critical component of this foundation, and focusing on it will undoubtedly help nurture future stars.

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I started my football here with the Lagos State Football Association League. Emphasis should be paid on domestic football. It’s very essential for the growth of club football in Nigeria.

The NNL Board, under George Aluo, deserves commendation for orchestrating a "classy and world-class" draw ceremony. The involvement of Toptier Sports Management signals a new era of transformative investment, which is exactly what our league needs. As Nigerian sports administrators and former players, we must continue to champion these developments, ensuring our domestic league reaches its full potential.

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It should not be about the Super Eagles, it’s all about the domestic football. If we can get it right, we can produce stars for the future.