Enyimba International FC has won the N100 million prize for winning the Super Six of the abridged Nigeria Premier League (NPL) league. However, according to Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the NPL, Nigerian clubs are not yet strong enough to win continental titles. Elegbeleye advises teams in continental competitions to recruit some players from outside Nigeria to bolster their squads.
He specifically mentioned Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Rivers United and stated that their current crop of players are not yet good enough to win the title, comparing them to the likes of Al Ahly, Raja Casablanca, and TP Mozambe. Elegbeleye recommends that teams look for good players within and outside Nigeria, and he suggests they should be able to go to Ghana, Senegal, and other countries to recruit good players to excel in their continental engagements.
Regarding the N100 million prize won by Enyimba International FC, Elegbeleye revealed that there are conditions attached to how the money would be spent to better the club’s participation in CAF Champions League. The prize money is not meant to be paid into the club’s account, but be used to develop the club in areas of recruitment, facilities, and players’ welfare. Elegbeleye expects the team to use N25 million to beef up the team, and another N25 million in addition to their government support to develop the stadium to be able to host international matches before their home fans.
Elegbeleye also revealed that the IMC has fulfilled the mandate given to bring football back on television, adding that was why it began with NTA and that after a series of meetings with Super Sports, they agreed to begin with the Super Six competition. He said it was a huge success, and he also thumbed up the referees for performing well throughout the season.
