Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu and Coach of Rangers International of Enugu Salisu Yusuf has stated that the Nigerian elite division has been a huge success since attaining professional status 30 years ago
Exactly on May 12, 1990, the Nigeria Professional Football league, NPFL was established.
Chukwu stated that the Nigerian league is still on its way to becoming a success after 30 years.
Without any fanfare, such that heralded the first North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1969 and the J-League of Japan in 1993, professional league kicked off in Nigeria on May 12th, 1990
The pioneer clubs of the league were the now-defunct Lagos ACB, BCC Lions, Bendel Insurance, Bendel United (now defunct), and Enyimba FC.
Others were Highlanders of Jos, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, (now Heartland FC) JIB, Kano Pillars, Obanta United (later VIP), Ranchers, Enugu Rangers, and Stationery Stores.
Speaking to brila.net, the former coach who has played, coached, and also managed clubs in the league said there was remarkable progress in the league now when compared to 30 years ago.
“At least, there are stadiums everywhere now, right? That’s some improvement. We have also improved in terms of players’ welfare but things can be better,” the former coach added.
“But until we start leaving the government out of clubs management, we still have a long way to go. We need the government to take off their hands off club management totally, we need to get sponsors to do these things, sports is business.’
While many are of the opinion that the present state of the league still leaves much to be desired, Yusuf the former Super Eagles assistant coach believes the Nigeria top-flight has made some improvement over the years.
“It’s a success story, because there has been a lot of progression in terms of playing and coaching, and generally in all aspects of the game,” he told brila.net
Speaking further, the 58-year-old tactician insisted the league has had its ups and downs, while adding that players of nowadays are better coached than players of his time.
It will be recalled that the first professional league match (NPFL) played in Nigeria was between the Super Stationary Stores of Lagos and Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now Heartland of Owerri at the Onikan stadium in Lagos.
The match ended 2-1 in favour of the Owerri based club who later went on to claim the first Nigeria Professional Football League title after having a brilliant season.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.