Dikko: Government Support Key to Reviving Nigerian Domestic Football

Dikko: Government Support Key to Reviving Nigerian Domestic Football

By Niyi Busari 

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has defended the Federal Government's intervention in Nigeria's domestic football league, describing the initiative as a necessary step toward repositioning the competition for sustainable growth, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking amid criticism of the government's financial support for the league, Dikko said the intervention was intended to create an enabling environment for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to attract investment, improve competitiveness and strengthen its commercial appeal.

"We are here to collaborate and make things work," Dikko said, stressing that government support should be viewed as a catalyst rather than interference.

The former Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) reflected on his tenure between 2013 and 2022, noting that the league received little or no financial backing from government during that period.

According to him, the absence of institutional support hampered efforts to improve the league, while attempts to attract sponsorship were sometimes undermined.

Dikko argued that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated the political will to address longstanding challenges facing domestic football.

He maintained that government intervention is aimed at making the league more attractive to investors through improved funding, enhanced welfare for players and structural reforms.

The NSC chairman also pointed to the commission's recent success in securing private sector investment for sports development, citing the sponsorship secured for the National Sports Festival as evidence that strategic reforms can attract corporate support.

He expressed optimism that similar partnerships could be developed for the domestic league if stakeholders worked together to improve the league's product.

Dikko further dismissed claims that government involvement in professional football is unusual, citing examples from established football nations where public investment has contributed to league development through infrastructure, broadcasting support and other incentives.

According to him, such investments ultimately generate economic returns through increased tax revenue, employment opportunities and the growth of the sports industry.

Also speaking, NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade expressed confidence that Dikko's experience in football administration would help drive meaningful reforms in the domestic league.

Olopade said the Federal Government's commitment provides an opportunity to address longstanding challenges and reposition Nigerian football.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, also called on stakeholders and the media to support the ongoing reforms.

He recalled previous difficulties in securing sponsorship for the league and said the current administration's willingness to support domestic football should be encouraged rather than criticised.

Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Association, Sir Okey Kpaluku, welcomed the government's intervention, describing it as essential to improving the league's commercial value and attracting greater private sector investment.

He noted that sustainable government support would help create a stronger foundation upon which corporate sponsors could confidently invest.

The NSC has maintained that its intervention is part of broader efforts to strengthen sports development in Nigeria through collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation, the NPFL and other stakeholders.