Former Gombe FA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe has urged football stakeholders and administrators in the country to criminalise match-fixing as a way of saving the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Gara-Gombe, who spoke while briefing newsmen over the weekend
in Abuja, advocated the criminalization of match-fixers in the nation’s football eco-system and that the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) and other stakeholders must join forces together to stop the hydra-headed problems bedeviling the nation’s football.
“Football manipulation should be treated as serious offence like it’s done in other clime. We should enact the necessary laws and enforce it adequately”
The fiery football critics insisted that the proposed ₦2 billion naira prize for league champions was attractive but sustainable football development required <a href="https://absafricatv.com/travel-agents-seek-stronger-nigeria/” title=”Travel agents seek stronger Nigeria”>stronger foundations.
He said issues such as poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, weak commercial structures, poor officiating, player welfare and club administration must be addressed before the league can compete with top African leagues.
“You can offer ₦10 billion to the league champions, but if the fundamentals are not in place, the league will continue to struggle. A proper football league is not about prize money.
He identified eight key areas needed for a successful league, including sound capital base, good governance and commercial
“ Others are modern infrastructure, competent administrators, player welfare, fan engagement and professional refereeing,” he said.
On infrastructure, Gara-Gombe lamented that the county is does not have the necessary infrastructure with only Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo meeting CAF and FIFA requirement in the country.
He recalled that several Nigerian clubs had been forced to relocate continental matches because their home grounds failed to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Gara-Gombe also criticised poor officiating, describing it as a major threat to the credibility of the NPFL.
“Today, we produce poor champions because they are products of poor officiating, and calling for improved referee training, monitoring and accountability,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure and officiating, Gara-Gombe said Nigerian football cannot achieve financial sustainability without determining the true commercial value of the league.
Gara-Gombe has also called for reforms aimed at reducing government dependence in football, urging state governments to gradually move away from directly funding clubs.
He said that multi-billion-naira prize money should begin with an assessment of clubs revenue-generating capacity, including sponsorship, merchandising, branding and supporter engagement.
“ You must first know what your league is worth before placing a price tag on it,” he said.
“ Also raised concerns over poor medical facilities at many league venues, noting that several clubs still depend on borrowed ambulances from hospitals, health centres or the Red Cross during matches, describing the situation as a sign of inadequate professionalism.
