The Chairman of Ekiti State Football Association, Bayo Olanlege has called for a rethink in the organisation and management football in Nigeria.
Olanlege, who made the remarks while speaking to newsmen on Friday at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti stressed the need to think football as a business and not a recreation.
When asked about the standard of the second tier league in the Country, Nigeria National League (NNL), the astute football administrator stated that the league should be overhauled giving its falling standard.
“I think they are terrible, I think they are a mess. I think everybody there should be sacked .What do you think they are doing there-They have Referees that they don’t pay- the NNL referees were last paid since week six.They get welcomed by the home team, who will also give them accomodations and you are expecting a fair play- It’s not possible” said the Chairman.
Commending the NLO management for finding Ekiti State worthy to host one of the division two league centers, Olanlege said the campaign brought a great atmosphere to the State.
“We will continue to thank the NFF, Chairman and Directors of the NLO for deeming Ekiti State enough to host a competition of this magnitude-NLO is not a small outfit with 300 clubs under its watch; you can think about that visibility. we don’t undermine or underestimate the value of having to host this”.
He further said “We appreciate everyone and the teams for comporting themselves, they have been our friends and have done exactly what football is preaching- which is unity. Social interaction and inter-connection; it feels like they shouldn’t leave”.
Applauding NLO for setting 19 years age benchmark for players in division Two and Three, Olanlege, who described the stipulation as a philosophy he has materialised through his leadership at Phoenix Sports Athletics club and Ekiti Football Association noted that it’s a watershed that will help redirect the focus of the league to achieve more growth giving its developmental status.
He commended the NLO management for their swift reaction to the issue of match fixing scandal which ensued between Ijesha Golden Warriors and Alaska FC, as he insisted that Nigeria football can only grow with every of its components working at its best.
“They were caught and were punished accordingly. I would like to thank the NLO for not tolerating acts that can bring the game to disrepute. We are seeing the future of Nigeria football through them, they could have buried it and say it’s second division” he quipped.
Olanlege also relished the breakthroughs of two Ekiti-born Players to the National team; Tolulope Ojo(Flying Eagles) and Babatunde Bello( Super Eagles), saying its a manifestation of many years’ efforts which will also inspire the new generation of players in the State.
