Abuja based FIFA-licensed football agent, Ifeanyi Omonigbo, has shared his insights on the state of Nigerian football and the pivotal role of leadership in enhancing the visibility of local clubs and leagues.
Odugo highlighted the deep-rooted passion Nigerians have for football, which extends to their leaders.
He stated, “Nigerians are passionate football lovers, and our leaders are no exception. Their support for foreign clubs is not, in itself, a threat to our local football — after all, the beauty of the game is that it allows fans to commit to more than one team.”
However, he emphasised that the real challenge lies in the apparent lack of deliberate and purposeful support aimed at boosting the visibility of local clubs and leagues.
While acknowledging the efforts of some state leaders, Odugo pointed out that broader challenges remain. He commended the initiatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who have shown unwavering support for their state clubs. Yet, he argued that these positive examples are not enough to overcome the systemic issues plaguing the league.
“Almost every challenge in our league — from attendance revenue, youth inspiration, and talent retention to sponsorship and investment growth — comes down to one factor: appealing visibility,” Odugo explained. He argued that both local and global football enthusiasts can only support what they know and regularly see. “If we make our clubs and league visible, exciting, and worth talking about, many other things will naturally fall into place,” he added.
Odugo proposed several transformative strategies that could significantly boost the profile of Nigerian football. He envisioned a scenario where political, business, and cultural figures regularly attend Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches, thereby making matchday attendance a trend. He also suggested that high-profile endorsements could make local football more attractive to sponsors and investors, which would unlock better facilities, improved player salaries, and stronger marketing strategies.
Moreover, he called for positive public statements from leaders about Nigerian clubs across various platforms, including television, social media, and public events. Such actions could raise national pride and media coverage, celebrating domestic league heroes and inspiring young players to aspire to lift NPFL trophies before seeking opportunities abroad.
In conclusion, Odugo stressed that clubs cannot achieve this alone. He urged leaders to adopt strategies similar to those employed by foreign governments to grow their leagues, citing the recent transformation of the Saudi Pro League and China’s earlier efforts with the Chinese Super League. “Government funding, supportive policies, and visible leadership involvement can put Nigerian football on a path where our league is not only respected at home but admired globally,” he asserted.
As the conversation surrounding the future of Nigerian football continues, Odugo’s insights serve as a clarion call for concerted efforts to elevate the local game and inspire a new generation of talent.
