Lumumba wants MTN/NPL sponsorship deal protected

Few hours after NPL announced MTN as winner of the sponsorship right of the league, the Nigeria Football Federation distanced itself from the development on the ground that due process was not followed. Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the former NFF presidential aspirant said the unnecessary flexing of muscles between NFF and NPL will not do […]

Few hours after NPL announced MTN as winner of the sponsorship right of the league, the Nigeria Football Federation distanced itself from the development on the ground that due process was not followed.

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the former NFF presidential aspirant said the unnecessary flexing of muscles between NFF and NPL will not do the league any good as he said if there is anything the Nigerian league needs urgently it is money and so the MTN deal must not put in jeopardy.

He said the NFF should in the interest of the league allow NPL a breathing space as he maintained that as a limited liability company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, NPL is entitled to some rights as far as the football league is concerned.

Lumumba noted that Nigerian football needs respite from the endless squabbles which are totally detrimental to the growth of the game.

He said even if anyone has issues with the Nigeria Premier League board, such should be pursued without causing any injury to the league which he said is gradually taking shape.

His words: “The unnecessary flexing of muscles will not take us anywhere. NFF should give NPL a breathing space. As a limited liability company registered with the CAC, NPL should be allowed to exercise its rights as far as the league is concerned.

“No matter who is aggrieved, I want to say that Nigerian football needs some respite and all contentious matters should be pursued without causing any injury to the game. NFF should ensure that any action it takes concerning NPL does not impede on the MTN/NPL sponsorship deal”.

Lumumba in addition blamed Globacom for doing much for Nigerian football without maximum use of the benefits which were up for it to grab as the title sponsor of the league.

He said if it is true that Globacom defaulted in its agreement with the NPL, there is nothing wrong in allowing another organization with a better offer to sponsor the league.

“If Globacom with all the money it pumped into the league did not make maximum use of the opportunities at its disposal, it is nobody’s fault. Globacom has itself to blame”.

The former member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State said a lot of damage has been done to Nigerian football already so everybody should sheathe their sword for peace to reign.