Clubs’ expectations soar as MTN splashes mega bucks on NPL
MTN won the title right last Thursday in Abuja after outbidding rivals Globacom Nigeria Plc in a two-way battle with a bid of N2,552,550,000 for four seasons. The company’s bid is for N550 million in the first year, with an annual increase of 10 per cent. This makes it N605 million in the second year, […]
MTN won the title right last Thursday in Abuja after outbidding rivals Globacom Nigeria Plc in a two-way battle with a bid of N2,552,550,000 for four seasons. The company’s bid is for N550 million in the first year, with an annual increase of 10 per cent. This makes it N605 million in the second year, N665.5 million in the third year and N732.05 million in the fourth year.
The deal is obviously a serious improvement on contract NPL had with Globacom and the expectations from the clubs are also already soaring really high. Chairman of JUTH FC Alhaji Isa Mailafia said with the arrival of MTN, the clubs are expecting a better deal from the Nigeria Premier League.
He said the clubs have been struggling to survive and now that NPL has gotten a sponsor, they are eagerly waiting to be called for a meeting in Abuja where all modalities on disbursement of the sponsorship money would be discussed.
“We can’t wait to get our own share of the sponsorship money. It has not been easy playing without a sponsor. Now that this has happened, we cannot wait any longer”.
He said Owumi who is a former club chairman knows what it takes to run a club and should appreciate the challenges and quickly invite them for a meeting. He also called on MTN to be prompt with the take off funds so that NPL will in turn disburse the clubs’ entitlements to them.
Prince Oladimeji Thompson, Chairman, Kwara United FC said the NPL got the mandate of the congress to look for a sponsor and now that a big sponsor has been found, the contract should be signed without much ado so that money would be released to NPL.
His expectation is that NPL will find it expedient to invite the clubs for a formal meeting for them to be told in explicit terms the nature of contract that has been entered into with the communication giants.
According to the club chairman, the yoke of the clubs should be made lighter by the present NPL leadership because the chairman being a former club chairman knows what the clubs pass through.
His words: “The clubs should be brought into the mainstream of things. We mandated the NPL to go out and get a title sponsor for the league and thank God MTN has stepped in with a better offer. Our expectations are high because the deal with MTN is better and something tangible must accrue to us.
“What we are asking for is another congress for us to be told in very clear terms the nature of contract that NPL has entered into with MTN. In addition, we have to know if the contract contains more incentives for the clubs.
The Team Manager of Plateau United Mr. Simon Moven who praised the performance of the Owumi led board of the NPL said the entry of MTN will certainly change the face of the Nigerian Premier League.
According to him, the money to be released by the communication giants if properly applied will transform the clubs.
He said the NPL should given enough percentage to the clubs to enable them settle accumulated debts and also motivate their players to perform better.
“The coming of MTN is timely and most appropriate. We are expecting a better deal from the NPL. Going by the performance of the present board, I have no doubt in my mind that the clubs will get a better deal. The chairman is a former club chairman and having worn the shoes before, he knows where and how it pinches.
Mr. Aborowa Gabriel Duro , TM Sunshine Stars FC said the deal with MTN is a morale booster to the NPL, the clubs and even the players in the league.
He said everybody is happy that MTN has agreed to spend so much on the league and now that a title sponsor has been found, those entrusted with the running of the league must be transparent in disbursing the funds.
Duro said in the past the clubs were not fairly treated but this time, those at the helm of affairs must ensure that the clubs are well treated.
The new deal is a morale booster for every stakeholder in the league. The NPL, the club officials and even the players are rejoicing. In the end, it will amount to beautiful nonsense if the clubs are relegated to the background again”.
“It is good news no doubt but we are calling on the NPL to adopt transparency in the disbursement of the funds. The clubs deserve a better deal because in the past, we were not satisfied with what we got.
Expectations from the clubs are indeed high but the news that NFF is not happy with the process which led to the emergence of MTN as new sponsor of the league is a dangerous signal. The position of NFF may set off another controversy which may again deny MTN the opportunity to sponsor the Nigerian Premier League.