September 23, (THEWILL) – Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Gusau, has made a bold claim comparing the Nigeria Premier Football League to the English Premier League.
During a visit to Enyimba following their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, Gusau emphasised the progress of Nigerian football, particularly in aligning the NPFL schedule with global standards.
Gusau pointed out that the gap between NPFL and EPL match weeks has narrowed significantly. “For those of you that started maybe 10 years ago, have you ever seen when we’re playing the league, and between us and England, only two weeks of matches (difference)?” he asked. He noted that while the EPL might be in week five, the NPFL would be in week three, with plans to close this gap further.
The NFF President’s comments reflect an ambitious vision for the NPFL. Gusau stated: “We must do the right thing,” indicating a commitment to improving the league’s schedule and efficiency. His goal is for the NPFL to not only match but potentially surpass the EPL’s pace in the coming weeks.
Enyimba’s recent success in qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage adds weight to Gusau’s vision. This achievement demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Nigerian clubs on the continental stage, supporting the NFF’s ambitions for the domestic league.
The comparison between the NPFL and EPL, coming from the NFF President, signals a push for greater recognition and respect for Nigerian football on the global stage. It also suggests that efforts are being made to improve the overall quality and organisation of the NPFL to bring it closer to international standards.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
