Former Nigerian Football Legends Advocate for Private Investment in Domestic League
Two former legends of Nigerian club football, Daniel Amokachi and Victor Nosa Ikpeba, recently emphasized the importance of private ownership and investments in the domestic league as a key to sustained growth. Their remarks came during the Draw Ceremony of the NNL Super Four Tournament, which took place at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja GRA.
Both players were among the ex-internationals present at the event. They expressed excitement that all four teams promoted to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) were privately owned and funded. This development highlighted a shift towards more sustainable financial models in the country’s football landscape.
Amokachi, who played for Ranchers Bees, which returned to the topflight league after nearly 18 years, was clear in his message: “Football is not business here yet. We have to make football business.” Known for his powerful playing style, he was affectionately called “The Bull” during his playing days.
To drive his point home, Amokachi spoke in pidgin, emphasizing the number of teams that gained promotions to the NPFL. “Now na four for the NNL, now the number dey increase. Next year again, na private (teams) go still make am to the NPFL.” His words underscored the potential for continued growth if private investment remains a priority.
Amokachi also praised the management of the NNL under George Aluo, the Chairman. He acknowledged that the journey back to the topflight for Ranchers Bees was not easy, as the 2025/2026 NNL season was highly competitive for all teams, including those promoted to the NPFL.
Victor Nosa Ikpeba, another prominent figure in Nigerian football, shared similar sentiments. He recalled that the NNL has always been an essential part of domestic club football in Nigeria. “I started my football here with the Lagos State Football Association League,” he said.
Ikpeba, who was fondly known as the ‘Prince of Monaco,’ stressed the importance of focusing on domestic football. “Emphasis should be paid on domestic football. It’s very essential for the growth of club football in Nigeria.” As the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, he emphasized that football in Nigeria should not solely revolve around the Super Eagles. “It should not be about the Super Eagles, it’s all about the domestic football. If we can get it right, we can produce stars for the future.”
Support from National Sports Commission
The National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the NNL Board under George Aluo for organizing what he described as a “classy and world-class” NNL Super Four Draw in Lagos. He also praised Toptier Sports Management for its transformative investment in the league.
Olopade led a strong delegation of sports administrators, including the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau; Adeboye Zulu Adeyinka, SSA on Grassroots Sports to President Bola Tinubu; and Remo Stars Chairman, Hon. Kunle Soname, among others. He expressed delight at the level of organization on display.
“I must commend Mr. George Aluo and the entire NNL Board for putting together an event like this. This is one of the best draws I have witnessed in Nigeria. I encourage the Board to keep up the good work, because the NSC’s doors will always remain open to support you,” Olopade said.
NNL Super Four Tournament Details
The NNL Super Four tournament will take place from May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The four newly promoted NPFL sides—Doma United, Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, and Ranchers Bees—will compete for the ₦10 million prize and the title of NNL 2025/2026 overall champions.
