NPFL Crisis: Shehu Dikko Breaks Silence On FG Funding, Cites Premier League Model To Defend Intervention

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has strongly defended the Federal Government’s financial intervention in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), insisting government backing is the catalyst behind every successful football league in the world.

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Dikko made the remarks amid criticism from some quarters over the Federal Government’s decision to inject funds into the domestic league, arguing that such intervention is necessary to reposition Nigerian football and attract long-term private investment.

The former League Management Company (LMC) chairman, who oversaw the NPFL between 2013 and 2022, reflected on the challenges he faced during his tenure, revealing that the league received virtually no government support despite efforts to commercialise the competition.

«”We would have been accused of negligence if we failed to act. Today, we’re doing what is necessary to reposition the league, yet some people are criticising the intervention,” Dikko said.»

He disclosed that during his time at the LMC, government officials allegedly discouraged potential sponsors from investing in the league, making it difficult to generate sustainable commercial revenue.

«”Not one kobo came from government to support the league while I was in charge. In fact, there were occasions when sponsors I brought in were contacted and discouraged from working with us,” he revealed.»

To support his argument, Dikko cited examples from some of the world’s biggest football leagues, noting that government intervention played a key role in their growth.

According to him, the British Government invested heavily during the early years of the English Premier League, while governments in South Africa and Morocco continue to support their domestic leagues through broadcasting rights, infrastructure development and club funding.

The NSC Chairman also pointed to the Commission’s recent success in attracting private sponsorship for other sporting events, including securing ₦5 billion from a single sponsor for the National Sports Festival, arguing that similar innovation can transform the NPFL into an attractive commercial product.

«”Government’s responsibility is to create the right environment for sports to grow. Once the league becomes more attractive, private investors will naturally come in,” he added.»

NSC Director General Bukola Olopade backed Dikko’s position, expressing confidence that the former LMC chairman possesses the experience needed to drive meaningful reforms in the domestic league.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau and NPFL Club Owners Association Chairman Sir Okey Kpalukwu also welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, describing it as a timely step towards rebuilding the country’s top-flight league.

The discussions formed part of ongoing efforts by the National Sports Commission, the NFF and NPFL stakeholders to strengthen the commercial appeal and long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s domestic football league.

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