“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. Ekejiuba was reacting to a decision by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to raise the prize money paid to winners of the top-flight league. The coverage of the announcement gave no figure, only that the increase is significant.
He also welcomed extra funding from the NSC meant to strengthen the league’s operations, which he said would speed up its development.
Four years of reforms
Ekejiuba gave credit to the NPFL Board and the GTI Group for what he called four years of reforms and investment aimed at repositioning the league. The work covered corporate governance, commercial value and the league’s appeal to investors.
Cooperation among the sport’s main institutions is essential, he said, but he called it “a means to an end” and not the goal itself.
Still on the list
He did not want anyone celebrating early. Substantial work remains, 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 to build a football environment that is accountable and transparent enough to draw more partners, sponsors and investors, and it is inviting others to join. Ekejiuba put the current investment, including the recently announced grant, at less than two percent of the league’s likely 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
