To gain private sector confidence and attract high-profile investors, Nigeria’s football industry must address and cleanse itself of the numerous issues affecting the nation’s football landscape, according to Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, the former chairman of Gombe United FC and a prominent sports critic.
In a chat with LEADERSHIP Sports regarding the management of football in Nigeria, Gombe highlighted the stark contrast between local and international clubs. He asserted that the appeal of foreign football clubs among high-profile Nigerians reflects their successful brand management and global reputation. Gombe cited Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool as prime examples of well-managed brands that operate on a corporate level. “These individuals can proudly wear the kits of these foreign clubs, purchase their merchandise, and adorn their homes with their emblems,” he remarked, “yet it is rare to see the same enthusiasm directed towards Nigerian clubs.”
Focusing on the example of Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State, Gombe noted the disconnect between Kalu’s previous efforts to elevate Enyimba FC to international standards and his current lack of support for the club.
“When was the last time you saw him in Enyimba kits or attending their matches?” Gombe challenged, emphasising that Nigerian clubs lack the professional management and branding seen in their foreign counterparts.
Gombe attributed the overwhelming ownership of Nigerian football clubs by state governments to a cascade of issues. He identified politics as a detrimental force, with clubs often used as tools for economic gain or to reward political loyalists rather than fostering genuine development in the sport. “Hooliganism, match-fixing, poor officiating, corruption, and political interference are rampant characteristics of the Nigerian league,” he lamented.
Reflecting on his experiences in the industry, Gombe recounted a meeting with billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, who expressed interest in transforming BCC Lions. “The system is not conducive for such ambitions,” Gombe stated, emphasising the necessity for proper management and rebranding within Nigerian football clubs.
He also shared an anecdote involving Bamanga Tukur, the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who sought to establish an Arsenal satellite club in Nigeria. Gombe ultimately advised against the venture, fearing that mismanagement would lead to embarrassment, which he felt would be a disservice to both Tukur and David Dein, the former chairman of Arsenal.
Concluding, Gombe delivered a poignant message: “Today, we do not have a league that we can be proud of. If we are to attract high-profile individuals to invest in our clubs, we must cleanse ourselves of the numerous issues plaguing our football landscape.”
His insights resonate with an urgent call for reform in Nigerian football, paving the way for a more professional and credible sporting environment.
