Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, is fervently advocating for a rejuvenation of the Nigerian league, emphasizing the pivotal role of grassroots development.
Okocha Sounds the Alarm: Nigerian League Needs Urgent Revamp to Unleash Football Prowess
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Okocha revealed the urgent need to instate a robust foundation that can cultivate Nigeria’s future football talents, Footballrover reports
“The future of football is grassroots development, and that is the point I am trying to make. At this stage, we should have been able to put structures in place that can enable us to say that these are our future players,” he noted.
Okocha’s stance on the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is clear.
He contends that the key differentiator lies in the management and implementation of essential structures, rather than a lack of talent.
He expressed his desire to own a club in the league, a dream tinged with reluctance. The perplexing question he poses is how to operate when faced with the inevitable struggle to secure victories in away matches, particularly when these matches remain untelevised.
In his words,
“I don’t want to own a club, I would have loved to. But the question is, how will I function when I Know that | will struggle to win away matches, knowing that those games won’t be televised?.”
Okocha’s lamentation extends to the league’s historical underinvestment and underdevelopment.
He deeply regrets that past efforts have not borne fruit, but he takes solace in the growing number of clubs taking the initiative to revitalize the league.
The football legend is resolute in his plea for the Nigerian league to become an attractive prospect for potential investors.
He ardently urges the league to offer what football enthusiasts are yearning for, to galvanize collective action and set the wheels of change in motion.
Okocha emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment where investors are drawn to the local league.
“My position on NPFL stands. One thing that is for sure is that there is no shortage of talent in Nigeria, the only difference is management and putting structures in place,” he said.
Crucially, he highlighted the importance of fan experience, stressing that stadiums should be welcoming and devoid of harassment.
In his view, the league should celebrate fair competition and the right results rather than a culture where home teams feel compelled to win at any cost.
Be the first to comment on "Austin Jay Jay Okocha Reveals Why He Will Never Own a Club in Nigerian League"