In an exclusive interview with Oba Adeniji, a former military officer and passionate sports enthusiast, a compelling plea was made regarding the entry fees for this season’s Federation Cup.
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Adeniji, renowned for his insightful perspectives, emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of entry fees to ensure that the nation’s oldest football tournament maintains its allure, particularly in providing a platform for underdog teams to spring surprises.
Adeniji proposed a thoughtful categorization of entry fees, suggesting that the NFF’s Competition Department consider a tiered structure. He recommended a fee of #150,000 for teams in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and the National Nationwide League (NNL).
For clubs in the National League One (NLO) division, a reduced fee of #120,000 was suggested, while non-league playing clubs could contribute #80,000.
The seasoned sports enthusiast highlighted the importance of these fee categories, emphasizing that they would serve as a motivating factor for grassroots clubs.
Adeniji expressed his understanding of the prevailing economic challenges in the country, advocating for a fee structure that takes into consideration the financial constraints faced by many clubs.
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In a passionate plea, he stated, “We need to encourage the grassroots clubs because the Federation Cup is available for them to showcase their talents to the world.” Adeniji stressed the significance of creating an environment that fosters inclusivity and enables smaller clubs to participate actively in the prestigious tournament.
Concluding his remarks, Adeniji called upon the government to extend its support to grassroots clubs, particularly in terms of providing essential facilities.
He underlined that nurturing these clubs was crucial not only for the growth of football at the grassroots level but also for the overall development of the sport in the nation.
As the NFF contemplates the upcoming season’s logistics, Oba Adeniji’s compelling arguments shed light on the imperative need for a balanced and supportive approach, ensuring that the heartbeat of Nigerian football, the Federation Cup, continues to resonate across all tiers of the game.
