SEDARA OLUWADARA
Elder Paul Bassey who is Vice Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigerian Professional Football League – NPFL has revealed the committee is working to return the league on TV plus other modalities for a successful 2022/2023 season.
The experienced journalist cum Sports administrator made this revelations in an interview as published by journalist Bassey Ibiatisuho.
We have the case of the referees committee that has to be reconstituted, we have the case of the stadiums that must be looked into.”
NPFL ON TV
With his experience as a CAF/FIFA Match Commissioner, Elder Paul Bassey understands the importance of returning the Nigerian Professional Football League on Television but for that to happen, the various match venues must be of acceptable standard.“
If we have our way, we cannot play professional football league in more than eight venues because it’s a tragedy that you can come out second in the league but you cannot play in your home ground in CAF competition, ” Elder Paul Bassey continued.”
Why should the IMC allow clubs to play league matches in venues when at the end of the day CAF will not approve to host continental matches?”
For want of time and in a bid to harmonize the Nigeria football calendar with others major leagues in the world, the Gbenga Elegbeleye led Interim Management Committee is considering an abridged 2022/2023 NPFL season.
According to the Vice Chairman of the IMC, the teams will be divided in two groups.
The top three from each group will participate in a Super-Six Playoffs where the league champion will emerge plus qualifiers for CAF club competitions.
LEAGUE RESUMPTION DATE No date has been announced for the commencement of the 2022/2023 NPFL season
As hinted by the IMC Vice Chairman, the focus is on finding solutions to identified challenges that may affect the smooth organization of the league.
