“Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness, and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football.” That was Andrew Ekejiuba, head of media and publicity at GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, in a statement issued in Lagos.
GTI is a strategic partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League. It used the statement to commend the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, which have raised the prize money paid to winners of the top flight. Ekejiuba said the decision shows Nigerian sports administrators want a more competitive and commercially attractive league.
He also welcomed extra funding from the Commission for league operations, which he said would speed up the NPFL’s development.
Ekejiuba gave credit to the NPFL Board and the GTI Group for four years of reforms and investment meant to reposition the league. The work covered corporate governance, commercial value and appeal to investors. Football’s main institutions have to pull together for any of it to work, he said, calling that collaboration “a means to an end.”
He did not want anyone celebrating yet. Plenty of work is left, Ekejiuba said, on governance, club licensing, infrastructure, production quality, content and data management, financial accountability and fan engagement.
GTI says it will keep working with the league toward an accountable, transparent setup that can bring in more partners, sponsors and investors, and it is open to others joining. Ekejiuba put the current investment, including a recently announced grant, at less than two per cent of the league’s overall revenue potential over the next five years.
Sources
- GTI Applauds NSC and NFF as NPFL Prize Money for Winners Increases – zalebs
- GTI lauds NSC, NFF on NPFL prize money increase
