Emeka Enechi
23 July 2007
Lagos — Indications have emerged that the cold war raging between the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and Nigeria Football League (NFL) may not abate soon. Investigations by THISDAYsports reveal that rather than seek practical ways of resolving the crisis rocking both bodies, officials of both football bodies have continued to fan the embers of discord and acrimony which has left the groups sharply divided to the detriment of the development of the game in the country.
THISDAY Sports learnt during the week that matters got to a head when officials of the FA who returned from Canada after a failed attempt at the World Youth Championship, (WYC), turned down overtures from the leadership of NFL to attend the draw for the 2007/2008 Globacom Premier League season. Though, it was gathered that senior officials of the FA including the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Sani Lulu and Amanze Uchegbulam were available but refused to turn up at the Shehu Musa Yardua Centre where the event took place last Thursday. Sources close to the football house in Abuja who craved anonymity for obvious reasons, predicted that the cold war may continue unabated except urgent steps are taken to address it. He told our correspondent that the leadership of the FA was bitter with NFL officials whom he said prosecute activities of the league body unilaterally.
THISDAY Sports learnt that the FA insisted on not attending the draw because NFL which is part of the FA, ought to have waited till it conducts its Congress which will be used to round off the last season and at the same time herald a new football season.
However, the leadership of NFL is not taking the embarrassment lightly as it has vowed not to be part of the FA's proposed trip to London where it is scheduled to meet with the English Premiership officials and other Corporate bodies on a sponsorship drive. A source at the Asokoro Headquarters of the League body, revealed that since the FA will be meeting with English Premiership team, it remains to be seen how feasible the trip will be without officials of NFL.
However, our correspondent learnt that the main bone of contention is the 2006/2007 Globacom PremierLeague windfall which officials of the FA claim was not managed properly. But, when contacted, NFL's Head of Media, Isaac Ibafidon dismissed the allegation urging any Nigerian who have any doubts about activities of the football league body to carry out independent investigations especially with the clubs to determine the truth.
However, our correspondent also gathered that one of the leading communication companies in the country has concluded arrangements to kick start a parallel league next season. The company we learnt will dole out N10m, N5m and N3m to Premier, Professional and Amateur league clubs in the country. We further learnt that the leadership of the FA had already given its blessing to the arrangement.
It would be recalled that the FA in consonance with the communication company planned a media parley on the initiative but had to shelve it as a result of the workers strike few weeks ago.
The prevailing scenario therefore suggests that the proposed date for the 2007/2008 league season may not be feasible after all. However, chairman of NFL Oyuki Obaseki has vowed to go ahead with the kick off of the new season on August 18.
However, concerned Nigerians have cautioned the FA over the planned parallel league. Those who spoke with Sunday Sports pointed to dangers inherent in the FA to midwife a parallel competition given the known and usual reaction of the officials of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).
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