NPFL Chairman and NFF Vice Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ recent 1-1 draw with Lesotho and also sheds light on the StarTimes Broadcast Rights Deal with the NPFL.
He labelled it the “greatest embarrassment” in Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for clear victories in World Cup qualifiers.
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Elegbeleye stressed the importance of a proficient coach in shaping a successful team.
“Nobody will be happy. Seeing Nigeria play a whole 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo is the greatest embarrassment I have ever seen in Nigerian football.
That is very bad. We are supposed to win it with a very clear margin. It is possible to win every game if the coach knows what to do.” He said in an exclusive interview on Kennis 104.1FM.
“We don’t have a good goalkeeper. Everyone knows that in this country we have very good footballers, we have talents. For the good talents we have to form a formidable team, it depends on the coach”
It is the coach that makes a team. There is no playing pattern in the real Nigerian team which we used to see before. I don’t think this coach knows his job. That’s the truth.”He continued.
Elegbeleye asserted the significance of televised football, stating, “Football is television.” He addressed challenges in acquiring decoders for fans and emphasized the necessity of broadcasting matches to a wider audience.
Subscribers facing challenges with online viewing need to download NPFL Propel Live to watch matches, as televised broadcasts are limited to direct home viewing. Terrestrial options are unavailable for those unable to access decoders or online streaming.
He urged Nigerians to choose economically viable channels, highlighting StarTimes as a suitable option for local league games.
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Regarding online rights, he clarified that among the broadcast houses approached for partnerships, only StarTimes expressed interest.
Following public discussions and careful consideration, they agreed to let StarTimes broadcast four matches initially, with the possibility of increasing to eight matches after two seasons.
Two matches were reserved for other potential partners. Compared to Super sports, which aired only two matches despite having broadcast rights, he emphasized that as the season progresses, the league matches will gain wider reach, attracting more partnership opportunities.
The negotiation with StarTimes also allowed a third party to be involved, providing the best possible outcome for a league that some deemed non-viable.
He highlighted that StarTimes joined the deal due to the promising prospects observed from the previous season.
Elegbeleye assured the selection of top referees, emphasizing the league’s commitment to paying well for quality officiating.
He credited the no-violence law for a calmer atmosphere among supporters, players, and referees.
Elegbeleye called for transparency in league operations, urging stakeholders to resist blackmail and work towards the league’s prosperity.
Referring to the prize money for this season’s winner, he pointed out that Enyimba, the previous year’s champions, received their 100 million Naira prize money within two days after the conclusion of the league.
Assuring that the same process will be maintained for the current season, with the winner receiving 150 million Naira as their prize money.
He emphasized that the current tenure ensures winners promptly receive their prize money, contrasting it with previous tenures where champions faced delays in receiving their winnings.
