The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has revealed that the federal government has classified football as a business as he called upon the new Board members to devise effective marketing strategies and media plans to create viable products for the NNL, NWFL, and NLO.
This was made known by the Federation president as he issued a challenge to the chairmen and members of the newly-constituted Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Nation-Wide League One, and the Nigeria Women Football League in Abuja.
He urged them to develop practical plans and effective marketing strategies that will propel Nigeria’s domestic football to unprecedented heights.
During the inauguration of the Boards at the NFF Conference Room on Monday afternoon, Gusau emphasized the importance of having clear plans to sustain match organization and fulfil responsibilities before the start of each season.
“We have carefully selected individuals of exceptional calibre, integrity, and determination to ensure the sustainability of our leagues. We do not want a situation where a league finds itself unable to finance its programs halfway through the season. We believe that the newly-appointed boards consist of capable men and women who can bring about positive change.”
Gusau expressed his delight in performing this action at a time when Nigerian domestic football is experiencing a resurgence. He cited the well-organized Nigeria Premier Football League in the recently-concluded season, the vibrant atmosphere of the Super 6 tournament involving the NPFL, NWFL, and NNL, as well as the pre-season Super 8 Tournament that recently concluded in Lagos.
“Therefore, the primary task of the new Boards of the different Leagues is not only to sustain this momentum but to significantly enhance it and take Nigerian domestic football to new levels of excellence.”
The event was attended by Rt. Hon. Nse Essien (Member, NFF Executive Committee); Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme (Deputy General Secretary); Coach Augustine Eguavoen (Technical Director); Mr. Ademola Olajire (Director of Communications); Dr. Robinson Okosun (Deputy Director, Technical); Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman (Deputy Director, Competitions); Mr. Ali Abubakar Muhammad (Head of Member Associations); and Mr. Barnabas Joro (Head of Protocol). The chief operating officers of the Leagues, Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya (NNL), Ms. Modupe Shabi (NWFL), and Mr. Sola Ogunnowo (NLO), were also present.
THE BOARDS:
NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mr. George Aluo (Chairman); Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki (Vice Chairman); Mr. Yakubu Sarma (Member); Mallam Sani Mohammed (Member); Dr. Donald Ikpe (Member); Chief Joseph Uzoma Ebowusim (Member); Chief Dotun Sanusi (Member); Mr. Emmanuel Attah (CEO).
NIGERIA NATION-WIDE LEAGUE ONE: Hon. Silas Agara (Chairman); Mr. Adeoye Adepeju (Vice Chairman); Mallam Sabo Abdullahi Dutse (Member); Mr. Ogheneochuko Ambakaderemo (Member); Mr. Tunji Onatolu (Member); Barr. Bucknor Akintade (Member); Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim (Member); Mallam Hassan Abdullahi Garo (CEO).
NIGERIA WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Ms. Nkechi Nneka Obi (Chairman); Hajiya Hussaina Suleman (Vice Chairman); Alhaja Rukayat Lola Alaya (Member); FIFA Hadiza Musa (Member); Mr. Ayodele Thomas (Member); Ms. Henrietta Ehiobor (Member); Mr. Danny Nazzal (Member).