Sports:President Tinubu to revolutionize NPFL

By Tosin Omojola

President Bola Tinubu is poised to transform the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) through a partnership with global sports broadcasting giant IMG.

Following the Super Eagles’ loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023 final, Tinubu initiated consultations with football experts from FIFA, CAF, and other stakeholders. These discussions led to a unanimous recommendation for IMG’s involvement to rescue Nigeria’s football industry.

During a reception for the Super Eagles at Aso Rock Villa, the President reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Nigerian football to its former glory.

“To the cherished Nigerian youths showcasing their talents in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow. Do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” Tinubu declared.

IMG’s impressive track record includes transforming the Indian Premier League (IPL) into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise and establishing the English Premier League as the world’s leading football brand. The company also played a pivotal role in AFCON 2023, helping achieve a record-breaking viewership of 1.1 billion globally—double that of the previous edition.

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha underscored the NPFL’s broadcasting challenges, emphasizing the league’s poor visibility compared to foreign competitions.

“I wouldn’t choose to watch the Nigerian League over a Premier League match, to be honest. The Premier League is more attractive,” Okocha admitted. “We need to go back to the drawing board, give ourselves time, and create something that makes our league competitive and appealing.”

The partnership with IMG aims to replicate its success with organizations such as the Argentine Football Association, Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Saudi Pro League. With nearly 3,000 employees across 30 countries, IMG has a proven capacity to enhance sports leagues through innovative broadcasting and commercial strategies.

Beyond broadcasting, Tinubu’s vision includes engaging corporate entities to ensure that most NPFL clubs are community- or privately-owned by the 2025/26 season. He also seeks to improve earning opportunities for local players, reducing the exodus to lesser leagues abroad.

During his visit to Brazil, Tinubu expressed interest in adopting the South American model, where IMG’s partnership with CONMEBOL generated $1.4 billion in 2017 alone.

This initiative is expected to serve as a blueprint for developing other sports in Nigeria, including athletics, boxing, basketball, and tennis, positioning the country as a force in global sports.