Sunday Dare Bemoans Lack of Professionalism In Nigerian Domestic Football Leagues

Sunday Dare Bemoans Lack of Professionalism In Nigerian Domestic Football Leagues … wants NFF to be stricter in adherence to the club licensing regulations By Our Reporter The Minister of Youth and sports development, Sunday Dare, has bemoaned the lack of professionalism in the Nigerian domestic football leagues. He made this known when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Sports Development in Abuja to defend the N193,315,083,317 budgeted for sporting activities for 2022. During the defence, he sought for some legislation to improve the league while berating football clubs for not prioritising professionalism. “We all have to get involved and even get some legislation to back us up before we can begin to see changes,” he opened up “The structure of our clubs needs to change if we want to see fans fill up the stands at our stadia to watch our domestic games. Most of our clubs are government owned and professionalism is not a priority. “There are little or no facilities, the welfare package for players in most clubs is not encouraging, club licensing regulations are not enforced. All these things have kept our domestic football in the doldrums,” he said. He further stated that the football authorities will be tasked to ensure that clubs adhere to the stipulated club licensing regulations. “From 2022, we will ensure that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who have oversight responsibilities over the League Management Company (LMC) are able to ensure stricter adherence to the club licensing regulations, even if we will end up having only six clubs meeting the standard, then have the games shown on television and on the NPFL.TV online platform so Nigerians can keep tabs with happenings around the clubs and games,” the Minister stated. The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports Development, Honourable Olumide Osoba had earlier applauded the Sports Minister and his team for initiating programmes that have impacted Nigerian sports positively in the last two years. - SportsBay