The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has been the focus of recent media attention due to claims that they received one billion naira from a sponsor to run the league. However, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the IMC, has strongly refuted these claims and described them as ‘wicked and cheap blackmail’.
In an official statement, Elegbeleye said: “The IMC of the NPFL is not in any way affiliated to any individual or organization that may have offered, or be offering, any form of sponsorship or financial support for running the league.” He further stated that the IMC has only ever sought to ensure the NPFL is run in a fair and transparent manner, and any insinuation that it has accepted money for its own benefit is false.
Elegbeleye also expressed his disappointment that such allegations were made without any proof to back them up. He urged anyone with evidence to bring it forward, so that the matter could be investigated properly. He also reminded everyone that the IMC is accountable to the Nigerian Football Federation, and that any financial irregularities would ultimately be uncovered.
The IMC Chairman’s statement has been welcomed by fans of the NPFL, who hope that the league can now move forward free from any further distractions. With the NPFL season set to begin in the coming weeks, it is hoped that the league can enjoy a successful and controversy-free campaign.
