By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Government support, particularly in infrastructure provision has been identified as possible solution to the significant challenges faced by Private club owners in Nigeria’s top leagues, including the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL)
The President of the Nigeria National League Club Owners Association, Mr Godwin Enakhena proffered the solution while speaking to www.newspathfinder.com at the just concluded NNL 2025 Super 8 held in Asaba, Delta state.
The former General Secretary of NPFL Club Owners who also serves as the Director of Sports at MFM, emphasized that government intervention is crucial for the growth of sports in Nigeria.
According to him the key to survival of private club sides in Nigeria at any level lies in government support.
“Instead of directly running football clubs, government should focus on building and maintaining stadiums, training facilities, and other essential infrastructure to create an enabling environment for sports development”, he posited.
He cited the example of the Lagos State government, which has consistently supported sports development through infrastructure provision and funding for teams.
“This approach has shown success in Lagos State, where government support has enabled teams like MFM women’s basketball club to participate in continental competitions. By prioritizing infrastructure provision, government can help private clubs thrive and Nigerian football reach its full potential”.
The administrator expressed frustration that many state governments are directly involved in running football clubs, which he believes is not sustainable.
Instead, he advocates for governments to focus on creating an enabling environment, building infrastructure, and providing support for sports development.
He highlighted the success of MFM women’s basketball club, which has benefited from the support of the Lagos State government, enabling them to participate in continental competitions.
The administrator urged other state governments to adopt a similar approach, rather than trying to run football clubs directly.
Mr Enakhena’s call for government support comes amid concerns about the sustainability of private clubs in Nigerian sports leagues.
