And the boy cried "wolf" yet again..... Who is dis Harrison Jalla????

I have searched high and low and talked to as many people as I could, to find out about the man, behind almost all tumultuous crises in Nigerian football today. Harrison Jalla.

I was given his number, but every time I placed a call to his numbers, they were either busy or non available.

Who is this proverbial "boy who cries Wolf at any and ever corner" of the ever evolving and never ending Nigeria football crises???

The earliest I can remember hearing of Jalla, was during the tussle between NANF and the Austin Popo led-APFON showdown, on the rights to represent Nigerian footballers... I vehemently made my views known then, and they have still not changed.... These people have no basis or locus standi to represent any Nigerian footballer, both amateur or professional... The Nigerian footballer, has not ascribed to participating in any of their organisations and these are get rich/undue recognition-quick schemes by individuals with very little to offer football in this country (maybe except Segun Odegbami, who was mercurial in his playing days).

Since mid 2010, Harrison Jalla, has gone on a vengeance hunt, for anyone and everyone,he believes or perceives is standing in the way of his relevance in football.  He has numerously contradicted himself, shown that his morality is as flexible and easily twisted as the camouflaging colour schemes on a chameleon.

I remember him dragging Nigerian football to the verge of an international ban by FIFA, and in some miraculous act, he was seen the next morning hugging Amos Adamu, at the man's house....  This same "boy (not dismissive, but an expression)" again, cried ""wolf", and we were off again, scattered,  in chaos.  Only, this time, it was to champion the cause of Jerret Tenebe, in the epic NFF vs NFA saga (we are still reeling from that one, at least he got a dispute committee seat), and at that same time, he was fighting on two fronts, because he was also involved in the Baribote vs Owumi case...

Now, he's baaaackkk!!! He crying "wolf, wolf, wolf, wolf" and running all the way to the judge, to press on for a fraud case against the same people he is in dispute resolution with???? Did I hear you say "orishe mo be/abasi", yup.  He is at it again!!!  That tireless "Mr. do gooder and rid Nigeria of fraud", etc. etc. etc. etc.  is at it again..... I paused, shook my head and almost couldn't stop laughing...

Who's the puppet master????The man paying this wayward piper??? it would be nice to eventually see the hand that rocks this volatile cradle...

Ok Folks, seriously.  As the president of the National Association of Nigerian Footballers, one would believe that his area of focus and his immediate responsibility and scope, would be daunting enough! The plight of the Nigerian footballer, whether amateur or professional needs immediate focus and instant remedy.  Our lads have just undergone the longest football season in recent memory, and they are being asked to come back to restart the new season....

Personally, the past footballing year was not one of the brightest for the Nigerian footballer.  We suffered four on-field deaths, several fatal accidents, multiple life threatening and career stopping injuries, players going on strike, and others threatening their management to go on strike, many players are still owed sign-on and many other forms of bonuses, and some players have not been paid at all, but yet they perform their jobs in the face of very adverse prevailing circumstances.

Who champions their cause, who is the voice for these disenfranchised Nigerians.. Who stands up for these guys/gals, and raises the roof, or runs to a judge to seek injunctions against irresponsible and incapacitated club owners, state governments and boards of management of erring football teams nationwide.

Has Mr. Jalla recognised, that since his "self induced righteous war" with anyone and everyone (yours truly, being the latest), the Nigerian footballer has experienced and ENDURED the worse 2 seasons of our footballing existence.

And it is amazing that a former great player like Segun Odegbami, would watch as his name becomes associated with this kind of individual, who has consistently brought the game to disrepute.  it is clearly apparent that Mr. Harrison Jalla is very incompetent and visibly lacking in the skills required to organise, strategically position the issue of the improvement in the lot of the Nigerian footballer, as a very critical factor that can adversely affect the continued expected performance within the professional league, national teams, and Nigerian sporting life in general....

If Harrison Jalla, today, doesn't get it, that he is seriously failing in his portfolio, as NANF president, then he should be shown the door..... oops, I forgot, no Nigerian professional or amateur footballer (s)elected him, their spokesperson and president..... so, who would fire him????????

In the interest of the Nigerian footballer, he should stop parading him as president of Nigerian footballers, resign gracefully, and go back to wherever he was before he came on the scene....  Nigerian Football has had enough.  People in the corridors of power, in the NSC, NASS, NGF, LASG and NFF/NFA should stop accommodating him, and utilizing him to bring our precious game into disrepute.

Let me ask Mr. Harrison Jalla, one pertinent question:  What kind of legacy do you want Nigerians to associate you with?? is this really how you want to world to see and remember you... as an alarmist and someone who is consistently associated with controversial situations.....

Please give this a thought.  You caved a niche for yourself, that is, the welfare of Nigerian footballers, please focus on that.... fix and improve the lot of the Nigerian footballer and help him/her become a better player, more prepared to deal with the rigours of his/her profession or passion....  Let it not be said that Harrison Jalla was not advised, whether he takes it on, is up to him.  But enough is enough...

The Nigerian footballers need a voice right now, someone who is really focused about their welfare, and will help organise and position them to get the maximum benefit of their trade and exploits......Harrison, take a lift off the pages of players organisations, in Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, and the NBA players (not a great outcome for fans, but it shows how players have organised themselves to request for fairer treatment by the owners, and the regulators of their profession).

A word is enough for the wise...... If not, Papilo is back in town and looking for the next opportunity to industriously serve us.... Nigerian players need his kind of leadership......As their president (pssst.... you didn't hear it here)

The 2010-2011 NPL Season finally comes to an end

Cue Boys Brigade Band,
Cue Funfair
Cue Tired Footballers and officials
Cue Baribote (only smiling face in the crowd)
Cue Tired and disinterested Nigerian soccer fans
Cue a lazy dog, lying and falling asleep on a dirt road.......

The longest football season has finally come to an end, ...... Hooorrrrr..........wait, we cannot cheer, or clap at the outcome, as this was an unnecessarily long process that could  easily have been avoided.  Now, I hear they want these same tired legs to return and begin to prepare for the next season.... Barry wonder!

Here's my honest take.  Lets stay off Nigerian Pro football for a while.  Lets go to the drawing board and rehash this fragile and almost broken plot.  Lets fix the issue of sponsorship and organise with state governments on club ownership.  Lets take the break for at least 6 months to get our house cleaned up and in shape.

Lets use this opportunity to align our calender with almost all parts of the world.  Which runs religiously from September through to April-May.  Lets get the FA cup situation repaired and organised....

Lets, lets, lets, wait... stop.  Call time out. Chill, standstill for a minute.  Reorganise, reassess, refine, repair, and rebuild the NPL.  To re-emerge as one of the best leagues in Africa.  Lets take care of our players and give them the rest they need.  Lets allow them 3-5 months to prepare, to increase the profile of the league.  Lets fix our stadiums, with the little cash we can find.. ..Lets see that teams in the lower divisions are given the right focus and attention.  Lets build a roadmap towards success and profitability... Lets try to use this window to position, advertise, rebrand the NPL, that it becomes a true self sustaining and self funding entity.

Baribote, this is your chance to become a great chairperson... Do the right thing now, or forever be like the people you claim to hate.  This is a great window for the NPL to achieve a revival of sorts.

Lets get it right, once and for all.....

Adieu Bob Sam.... May your soul rest in perfect peace....

Till next time.....

And they finally "got their way".... The Siasia Era Ends!!

it's all over!!

I feel so sorry for Samson Siasia.  I have never seen a situation where so much was expected by Nigerians (except for the members of the NFF/NFA board) and they backed their expectation by providing the goodwill needed to succeed.  Except that the reality was not as rosy as we thought it would be.

The FA's statements these past weeks were an indication that all was not well with this relationship.Then came the players (some of them, at least).  And at that time, I felt that the inevitable was going to happen.  Poor Samson, Poor Nigeria.

The sacking of Samson Siasia brings to the fore certain key issues around how the system in Nigeria functions.  The issues surrounding the sacking is an interesting one.  Firstly, the NFF quoted that the coach did not qualify Nigeria for the AFCON tournament, hence he is in breach of contract.  Well, I have had an opportunity to study this contract and found (in my layman's interpretation) that its loopsided.  The NFF has been in breach of certain provisos on the contract since the coach was hired almost a year ago.  And although, I blame the handlers and the coach for accepting a gentleman's agreement at the resolution or lack thereof, when the NFF was in breach of his contract.

The next situation we would find ourselves is the proverbial blame game.  I am alright confronted with these issues. Has the NFF fulfilled the aspirations of Nigerians as a board??? what gives it the moral and current standing to terminate the contract of the coach at such a critical time...Has the chairman of the technical committee, the body saddled with the responsibility of handling the coaches and teams, offered to resign, since the teams they were responsible for, failed woefully??? For the first time in recent history, our men and women teams did not compete in the Africa Games, plus we are out of the Olympic games (women), plus we are and might not qualify for the men's event.  Has Chris Green offered to resign??

In my view, the decision to sack Samson Siasia is shrouded in petty jealousy and personality disagreements.  The FA hired him to do a job, and to many Nigerians, he was on the way to reforming the National Team and  was dealing with the issues of indiscipline that has festered since the Amodu/Eguavoen period.  Our team was playing a more creative brand of Nigerian football and would have reached the point where the team would be in position to win serious games.

As the old military adage goes, no General can go to battle if his army is not behind him.  I would have expected the FA to stand by the coach.  Far sighted organisations would have supported his sanctioning of players and stood firmly behind their coach at this time, and show solidarity for his work.  But one cannot ask a board with skeletons in its cupboards to be forthright...... Siasia is the sacrificial lamb that was put forward for the failings of the board.  No wahala.  If we are going to go by contracts, legal structures and frameworks, then the board must realize that it has opened a can of worms.

The solicitor general must be brought in to audit the federal government funding that has been spent by this organisation in the last 12 months (ooops, It is rumored that his kinsman, is on the board :) .
The Attorney General must act and act now.  This board has been spending funds generated and provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and it has not yet accounted for funds received.  So the government must act now, in the overriding public interest and audit the NFF.  If it doesnt, private citizens will go to court and demand that the audits be done and the board made to account for the funds provided to it, say for the last 3 years.

This same board must be aware that there are mechanisms and structures available to interested parties to commence their impeachment for non performance and continued failures.

Samson Siasia will take a big lesson from this.  He is too good to stay without a job for much longer, and it is my opinion that he should focus on picking up an AFCON bound team. His managers are advised to commence an active distribution of his credentials within the African continent.

Nigeria has just set itself another uphill task, are we going to go through a full blown selection exercise, or is someone going to be appointed ad-interim?

The board again has shown its frailties and incompetence, and a general lack of vision with this decision.  I want to wish Coach Samson Siasia success in his endeavors and hope he bounces back on his feet.

As for the NFF, I am going to be taking particular interest in their activities and can promise them that this is just the beginning........

What a shame.

"Pastors in the mix", role and impact of sports psychologists in Nigerian sports...

The following is ascribed as a  statement by Osaze Odemwingie! A forward of the Super Eagles of Nigeria (I cannot collaborate its efficacy, but I reprint it, as I received it via twitter postings)

"Yes, I would say I am sorry to Nigerians for not playing according to expectations, and I believe I did not play well in the match.  But the prediction of Prophet TB Joshua really affected us. We thought we could see him and see how he could overturn the negative prediction but the officials came with another prophet who prayed for us and told us that all was well" Osaze Odemwingie culled in from Twitter.

As a young player, in the Nigeria amateur leagues, I was exposed to prophets, marabauts, prayer "warriors", fetish inclinations of our team handlers, owners, supporters and team mates.  As a kid, it was amusing for me to watch these individuals lose faith in their abilities, training, preparations and creativity in being enough to achieving success.  The "extra" as it was called in those days, became a norm than a myth.

I heard stories of live cows being buried in the middle of the center circle of the field by big teams just days before matches, I actually saw bloodied dead animals being thrown in front of our buses on many occasions.  I had attended many prayer sessions and watched as very confident men, were reduced to doubting their capabilities and years of practice, grooming and innate instincts....

Then I left to study abroad, and played for teams in advance countries, during that period,  the only time I came close to my Nigerian league experiences, was in a tournament in Mexico, wherein our team was faced against another diabolical team, that during our in field lineup, had a witch doctor woman, chanting and was "taken by the spirit" and predicted our loss in that game.....  some of my team mates of Mexican and Latin extractions, were not composed before and during the match.  They were psychologically messed up, and lost focus, that it was only when we were awarded a penalty and scored, that they began to regain their confidence. We won, and after the match, as we exited the stadium,  I saw her outside, in front of a bar,  drinking a Cerveza beer and looking very forlorn....... I laughed all the way to the hotel... What nonsense!!!!

Clinical and Sports Psychologists will tell you of the impact of images, words, and other influences on athletes before and during key sporting events.  And they warn about the negative impact these types of contacts and influences have on athletes.

The above statement credited to Osaze is very unfortunate! how could the handlers of the Nigeria Super Eagles allow such negative influences on the players??? It is amazing.... Culturally, Psychologically, and Emotionally, it is very upsetting.  I believe it is irresponsible of the FA to allow "pastors" and "prayer warriors" access to the players or come into camp,  to "pray" for the players.

Does the team not have its own chaplain and imam??  Clergy, that is trained to support and POSITIVELY prepare the mindset and conditioning of the team with religious scripture???

Furthermore, if true, why would TB Joshua, go ahead to pronounce a negative outcome on the team?? what was he trying to achieve?? Who does that???? Really!!!!

This kinds of situations just turns my gut against the Super Eagles handlers, administrators of the Nigeria Football Association and those dogooders.

Samson Siasia and Simon Kalicha should know better.  There should be a trained team psychologist, a chaplain and/or imam, people who work with the team to ensure that their mindset is prepared, and focused on executing the planned match.  For those players who are religiously inclined, the only person they get to talk to, is the team's chaplain or imam.  These are the only approved "prayer warriors" that have the access and authority to "pray" with and for the team.. The rest of us, should do so, in our private spaces......

It is incredible that in this day and age, we must ensure that these types of influences are immediately stopped and checked.

And to "Prophets" like TB Joshua.... Please keep your bad news to yourself,  if you have nothing good to say and if you really are that all powerful and all seeing, why not be patriotic and change the foreseen fortunes!!!.......... Nah, I am so upset.... I need to refrain myself from continuing with my thoughts about the statements listed above...

May the good lord have mercy on the way we treat ourselves and our country.......

The Price of Patriotism - when things dont go right, a users manual to supporting Nigeria

Kai, e no go better for them mama!!
Chineke, these boys don kill me!!
Siasia, must go!!
See us, Eagles yab!!
Na lie, na draw, TB Joshua, e no go better for you oooo!!!
Osaze, G@#$% go punish you and them!!
NFF must go!!
No be only us nah!, Egypt, South Africa, Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco no go sef, ehne, make another person win am jor (text message)

These were some of the very disturbing reactions from Nigerians whom I met, and was accosted by, yesterday evening after the dismal outing of the African Nations cup qualifier match at the Abuja Stadium.....  I was saddened, I watched a group of young men, who had the ability to perform, work against the overall objective of their coach, the FA and nation.  We missed so many chances of winning the game, that unfortunately, we drew and were knocked out.  Soon afterwards, the rumor mill ran amok, with tales that some starting players disregarded camp rules and party-ed till the wee hours of the morning, some outlandish tales were making the rounds about the open boasting and dollar "dashing spree" to women of easy virtues, by some of our key players, in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, Abuja (watch this space, when I know more, you certainly will).

The match was indeed, one of the worse performances by a team that had something to prove to its people, and itself.  There were several controversies surrounding the behavior of key players in the squad and the coaches responses, in the weeks and days leading to this match. The team could be considered, to be the best available legs we could field for a match of this nature.  But again, Ce la vie!  What has happened, has happened, the question is, can we take some lessons from the match and effect the changes needed in the transition exercise.

Nigerians have to learn that we cannot win every game, and we will lose some key matches, and we must also understand that our country as a whole is in a bad shape.  The national psyche and culture is distorted, and our sense of value is very warped.

Someone I respect a lot, made a statement at the stadium during the game, "Football is the bastard relative of the situation, that is the "Representative" of the issues facing the Nigerian state".   I have since been hounded by this statement, and as a follow up, I asked him, what the price of patriotism would then be??? He cynically laughed and responded, "As from tomorrow, the trial of the Sanhedrin will begin, we are on our way to Golgotha, to crucify your friend, Samson!".

Are these statements true??? Is this what Nigeria has been reduced to?? A nation that is so impatient, so cynical, that it will only stand by its man in good times only?? are we a nation that has no more commonsense??? are our leaders so out of tune, and misaligned that they live in a parallel space, and have no understanding of what it takes to drive the right type of values and order in the land.... Are we a failed state?? that our people have no moral, constitutional and humane compass??? What has gone wrong with patriotism. When we all band by ourselves and understand that the loss of one game is not the end of the world. ...

Yesterday, I saw raw emotions from Nigerians, the ugly, bitter and dangerously dirty side of us, as a people.  From the players on the field, to our so-called-state box "jollofing" leaders, to the fans..... I was sitting with friends, and was amazed at the level of insults and verbal cruxifiction they meted on Samson and the Eagles.

I know we are a very emotional bunch and can get carried away when things don't go our way, but for the first time, I was shocked.  For half the time, l watched as officials of the Nigerian state (those who are morally deficient) heap blame on the eagles. They cursed, yelled and threatened to have the coach sacked, removed and some things I cannot even begin to ascribe words to.  I was left shocked, saddened and speachless.....  What is it worth to Nigerians to support this country??.  when would it be right enough to stand by this country we call our own?.  What would it take for Nigerians to learn that even in defeat and loss, we must remember to be objective, in our criticism, and have it in the back of our minds that we can only get better.....

Nigerians must learn that a rebuilding program is 10 times harder than starting something fresh.  we have decided to change the course of the country, but it is going to be painful, tough, and a very trying and difficult period for everyone.  During the course of transition, things will happen that will test our belief in the project, we must not lose faith, have hope and believe this is for our own good.  Yesterday, the team played badly, on Tuesday, they have another date with Ghana in London, how do we send them off to that match???

As critical as I have been about sports and its management, I must admit that this country needs us all.  To rid our sports of idiotic and unfocused individuals, we have to bound together, work hand in hand, and rid ourselves of people, practices and other vices bedeviling our sports industry (and the Nigeria project at large).

Lets all stand behind this fallen EAGLE, its pride is hurt, its aching and needs our help, to right its path, heal its wounds, and guide its flight.

God bless the Nigerians and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and God Bless the Nigerian state,  in what form it eventually decides to remain.......... We must bleed green, white and green at all times, no matter what.....

Much Ado about Job Creation and its impact on Nigerian Sports.............

At a time when the world is screaming for a solution to the current financial crisis, one is forced to pay attention at the leaders in one's country.  The Eurozone leaders are struggling to bail out Greece and other debtor nations, America is having its leaders squabble and fight against themselves, albeit in the name of striking a balance to find a solution that best serves the people, and in Nigeria, we are dealing with our own issues, insecurity and the spate of politically induced restiveness emanating from joblessness, and diminishing opportunities in the polity, and a perception that we are being led by "a non warrior king", who believes that God will lead his people and him in tow.

The world is challenged and in search of a "savior".  A loan repayment default by "ancient" Greece, could and would spark a domino effect that will drag us all into a black hole and forever change the way we all do things.

President Obama has anchored his tenure on the mantra that creating jobs and economic opportunities for Americans is the way out of the ongoing recession, and EU leaders are dealing with business practices and  regulations, and trying to strengthen fiscal policies to abate the fall of the zone. While in Nigeria, like the Americans, we have embraced Job Creation, as our way to "salvation".

The Dangote committee was set up in 2009, and its mandate was to leverage on private sector actors and their expertise to chart a course that ensures that we utilize the enormous AVAILABLE human capital as a key to turning around the economic fortunes of the country.  Great report, I believe it should be published and shared with all Nigerians..... It is important to hold someone accountable, and this report sets a clear roadmap to ensuring that Nigeria, not only meets its vision 202020 targets, but sustainably puts its people to work.

Sports, was one of those selected focus areas. The opportunities inherent in the effective management of sports, as an economic activity is very glaring. It is the singular economic activity that leverages 100% on human emotions and physicality.  We pay to see human endeavors at its best, we watch the coordination of the body and mind in such ways as to elicit so much emotions for a particular period in time.

Sports has been one area where Nigeria has gained and received respect from the league of nations.  Our international peers have come to understand and respect our physical and creative genius in this arena.  From Football, to Athletics to Weightlifting, Boxing, Basketball and even the obscure American football, ice hockey and rugby, Nigerians have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor.

So, why is our sporting environment not organised, structured to take advantage of what we have as a "competitive advantage"?

Is the NSC geared up to understand the linkage between Job Creation, and the benefits it holds to the Nigerian sporting environment??

Does the NSC see that opportunity to reform itself and position the organisation to leverage on the vast amount of human capital available, to support the drive to create jobs in sports, and the management thereof, to good effect.

With so many questions and visible opportunities, I researched a bit and the results were astounding.

• What is the relationship between the "hides and skins" produced in Kano and the Adidas Jabulani football???
• What is the relationship between "raw rubber" and the synthetic jersey of Arsenal, Man United and all international teams jerseys manufactured in China??
• How many people does it take to ensure that a 90 minute football match played in London, takes place in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and can be seen by over 100 Million people in real time???
• How many people "work or are partially employed" by teams in the English Premier League, PSL, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, etc.....
• In the United States,  USSF, how many coaches, trainers and support staff, volunteers does it take to run, and effectively execute its world famous "Olympic Development Program"???
• We hear of grassroots sports, how many Belgians and Dutch people are actually involved in ensuring that on any given saturday, there is will be officials at any sanctioned sports event happening in villages, towns, cities of those countries???

The answers to the above questions will amaze you (contact me for details, if interested).  

There is a synergistic relationship between sports and Job Creation.  We need visionaries with a passion, to help drive this very lucrative and worthwhile venture.  I will be very conservative in my estimation that Sports can guarantee and earn Nigeria, at least  500 Million USD annually.

Creative planning, structures and a sincere focus by government, with the support of the private sector is required.  Nigeria can actually leverage on its human capital (especially in sports) to lift itsef out of the current global economic recession, and further insulate itself against future shocks, if it harnesses this critical potential.

Some very smart and enlightened people, spent a lot of time, energy and effort, to articulate the way forward on how to achieve the above stated goals.  I must thank Mr. Paul Bassey, Ikedi Iziguzo, Wole Akinwunmi, Aisha Falode, Ndidi Edozien, Fatima Usman, Ebosele Oguname, Dr. Nanna, Fola Oyeyemi, Olusegun Aganga, and the members of the Dangote Group, the Private Sector Working Group of the National Planning Commission, on behalf of Nigerians.  These people worked tirelessly to fashion out a way forward for Nigerians.  

The results of their efforts needs to be shared with every Nigerian, we have to get those reports out, and circulate them to the general public and ensure that the recommendations are adapted, adopted and implemented.  It would be a big shame for Nigerians, if the work of these groups do not see the light of day. 

Nigeria, can, and must reap the huge economic dividend and benefits accrued from its effective utilization of its massive and available human capital.  And I strongly believe that sports, and the management, can be one sure bet to get us out of the current economic struggle, we find ourselves in........

Oga Jonathan, are you listening.......................

When will the real NPL Club owners, take charge!!

"When the king and chiefs go mad or are missing, the village idiot and court jesters will lay claim to the throne" (Xhosa Proverb).

These past 16 months have been horribly tumultuous for Nigerian football.  We have witnessed the worst administrative crisis in Nigerian Football.  Ever since the start of the crisis (Galadima's ouster leading to Sani Lulu emergence), this period has really set us back a long way. 

We still have two bodies laying claims to the running of football in Nigeria (with each one claiming to have the ears of the powers that be), and inevitably slowing the deployment of a roadmap towards credible football development in the country.  

To the crux:  Ramson Victor Baribote has finally gotten his wish and dream,  but at what cost?? He was selected (sic)! Sorry, Elected unopposed, to be the new Chairman of the NPL.  He will head a fragmented organization, with vindictive individuals; people, he publicly accussed and challenged their credibility and substance.  What kind of an organization will he inherit?? An organization that is broke, disrespected, with little or no goodwill, and is suffering dwindling fortunes. Notably, a situation he help create, given his 16 months "righteous war"! 

When other leagues are counting the opportunities emanating from multiple revenue streams and at a time when they are driving towards excellence and an increase in followership, our NPL cannot boast of average attendance of 5000 spectators per game!!

Furthermore, the rot doesn't stop there,  Sponsorship of the league has been dogged by cryptic style dealings, wherein the selection of the title sponsor and release of its funds was chaotic (to say the least).  Today, the NPL title plus all forms of sponsorship and entitlements (TV rights inclusive) cannot guarantee each team 100 Million Naira per season.  Last estimate received was around N20-30 Million (that's being generous!)!!

A South African Sports Marketing firm, valued the worth of the Nigerian football league, as a 8 Billion Naira annual turnover "monster" (given our football patronage and culture, population and geographic spread of the teams, as some driving factors).  With this assessment, NO OWNER SHOULD PUT A KOBO in its NPL team.  The league should be self-sustaining (if the right things are done).  The NPL is a cash cow that doesn't need any form of government support or investment.

Today, the story of the NPL, is akin to the Xhosa parable above.  The "real" owners of the league have abdicated "their thrones and passed on their responsibilities",  whilst the proverbial "village idiots and court jesters (no target to any of the protagonists or any current/active "actor" in this crisis) have laid claims to control of the league..  

I was accosted a couple of  days ago by some young people and accused of standing by and watching the crisis brew over, and the funny analogy they gave me, made me laugh.  They said "Can the chairman of Leyton Orient (a second div English league team), be contesting and seek s{election} to be the chairperson of the EPL"? or can an official of a seconda division club in Spain be vying for the management of the Premiera Liga!!!  Can the PSL in South Africa be run by someone whose affiliations are not part of it??? (I can see the face of Jomo Sono)........According to one former leader…. I dey laugh ooooo!

The management of the league is so shambolic, that we are yet to conclude the 2010-11 league season, at a time other countries are in the 2011-12 season! Incredible... Everyone in the NPL organisation should be sacked!!   They are a corrupt bunch and dont deserve to administer over anything (not even their children's lunch money...)

Who are the TRUE owners of the NPL clubs? The State Governors.

I want to appeal to the State Governors, to see their NPL clubs, as self sustaining, fully funded entities that the states can use to generate IGR, ensure that they co-own them with serious and liquid private sector giants.  What stops Adams Oshiomole from allowing Bendel Insurance to fall into private hands, and be satisfied that the state maintains a 30% ownership that will generate revenue for the state, instead of its current costs (Insurance players are being owned over 7 months salary, they cannot meet some away match commitments, and have not being paid sign on bonuses, to date) and failings.

Why would Chibuike Amaechi disagree to allow Rivers born private citizens or consortium to buy majority stake in Sharks and Dolphins, and run both to profitability, and bring in the muscle required to turn their financial fortunes around....

Bendel (Edo) Insurance need to get an Estako born Chairman (nominated and ordained by Oshiomole), and watch, the team experience a change in fortune, focus and investment!! (sadly, that's the Nigerian way).

Are the governors aware that they have a socio-economic cash cow on their hands?? Do they know that each NPL club can generate almost 1 Billion Naira in annual turnover, and can easily contribute up to 50-100 Million Naira annually as IGR (Internally Generated Revenue).  

Does Talba realize that Niger Tornadoes is a goldmine??? Does he know that the club can run itself without recourse to any kobo from Niger State government?? 

Does Amaechi know that both Dolphins and Sharks can provide part time jobs for up to 2000 youths in Port Harcourt for up to 38 weeks in a year??? 

Does Ajimobi understand that the Eko fan base can be exploited by 3SC, to ensure that they reach a weekly revenue target of about 20-40 Million Naira every weekend they play in Ibadan??? 

What is the mandate of the boards of directors of each NPL club ??? 

I'd like to make a prediction, I bet, if a State Governor pronounced that the board of any NPL club must raise its own funds, and will receive NO KOBO from the state government, that many appointees will decline accepting the appointment.   Let the private investor take control of the clubs......

I still don’t understand the rationale behind state government, keeping control of these clubs, that:

1.     They can’t maintain, or partially sustain operations, and budgetary requirements?

2.     The players and coaches are at the mercy of greedy "selected and personal interest driven persons" who have no stake or desire to invest in the future of the clubs

3.     They will refuse private sector participation and funding?

4.     They will not honor their obligations to the team to meet their league obligations due to lack or inability to fund requirements

I BLAME THE STATE GOVERNORS FOR THE NPL IMPASSE (and in a nutshell, the NFA crisis), of the last 16 months.....( I can hear a collective grasp of astonishment from Nigerians!!).  Here's why:

1.     Their representatives "the club chairmen" have abdicated their responsibilities and allowed the "village idiots and jesters" to take over the NPL

2.     They have settled for "individual interest" over the club's best interest, because of the stupid deals (sponsorship and TV rights) they sign up and accept.

3.     They have not found and discovered new investors to ensure that government's investments in the clubs are reduced and subsequently whittled down to occasional disbursements

4.     They have BADLY compromised and politicized their function, that it is costing the state governments more than they bargained or budgeted (should the state even be paying for a club??)

5.     The governors are also part of the problem, the caliber of the individuals appointed as chairmen of NPL clubs, show their interest and level of commitment or lack thereof.

It is my summation that the NPL impasse would have been resolved if the state governments take the rights of ownership of a Premier league club seriously.  

Had the "REAL" owners gotten involved, they would have elected an NPL chairman who would seek to PROTECT their interests and secure the best deals possible for their teams.  

Many professional football clubs worldwide, sustain themselves through the TV rights money, hospitality and catering services, in field and grounds advertising, and souvenir and replica paraphernalia sales, gates and season ticket holders. 

The Emirates consortia paid a huge amount of money to Arsenal, Allianz insurance to Bayern munich,  Manchester city got almost 500 Million USD for a 4 year sponsorship and stadium name change from Etihad. 

AON and Manchester united was previously the world's leading partnership agreement.  Samsung and Chelsea, Southampton FC and Lieberherr, MTN and the PSL of South Africa.  

It is clearly evident that State Governors have not wizened up to the FACT that owning an NPL team is a money spinner for the state.  WAKE UP !!!!!!

Today, only one state in the Federation seems to understand that.  Lagos State, and the appointment of Seyi Akinwunmi, as LASFA Chairman, has begun to reap the desired benefits for the state.  That young man is breaking and tearing down borders and driving the state to "the promised land".  A true king in the making.... Well done, Eko o ni baje (and you are making sure of it)....

True football club chairmen are not "hungry" people, who "need" the position to become relevant.  The position of a club chairman is reserved for successful and wealthy businessmen and administrators. Those who have the acumen to drive profitability out of any sporting entity.  Take a look at some of the names of football club owners and chairmen:  Benny Elkestine, Alan Sugar, David Gill, David Dean, Roman Abramovich, Tony Fernandez, the Qatari royal family, The richest Ukrainian, Twenty (20) of the top 100 richest people in the world own sporting franchises, etc....

It is a shame to see that we in Nigeria, have not recognised that the ownership of an NPL franchise is a key money spinner, and can generate considerable RoI, IGR for the state and its private sector participating owners.  

If allowed, I am ready to make a presentation to the governor's forum on how to turn these teams around and leverage on the over 8 Billion Naira annual turnover potential.

The true "kings and chiefs" must not throw away this throne to the "village idiots and court jesters".... It is time for them to wake up and take this kingdom back.

Let me use this opportunity to wish Ramson Victor Baribote well, in his "achievement"!, we don siddon dey watch, now no more talking, it is time to perform........... You wanted this, fought for it, now you have it.... Lets watch what you do with it........ Good luck son....  

To some, I may sound bitter or non supportive, no.  I am only tired and worn from the war that has been fought in my name (without my voice), and I am wary of what the current victor (coincidental) can deliver. With a fragmented house and daggers in dark places..... I can almost see the end before the beginning...... I may be to quick to draw, but remember, we have been here before.... So truly and with all my heart, I want to see the young man succeed, but deep down, my grey beards tell me to be apprehensive.....

Sunshine stars giving the referees of one of their matches a ride......... I dey laugh ooo!! When Jide Fashikun ran the story, I bellowed out laughing... What have we not seen in the leagues... And this is at premiership level,  please go down to the lower leagues and see what is happening ....  Tscchhhuuuu!!!  (typical Yoruba woman exclamation), Oturugbeke! Shuo!!!  It is worse... this again is the result of the "village...........and co." running our football leagues these past years.  I blame the kings and chiefs, who let this happen!!.

Coach Samson Siasia, our own “no nonsense, Robocop” national team coach calls his “reserve bench warming big boys” to order.  Bros, if dem no wan play, plenty, Eyimba, Sunshine, KD united and beach soccer boys available…. Have we checked out what Nigerian fathered boys are doing worldwide…. Please, lets not pet anyone to come and spoil our “rejuvenated Green-white-Green” for us.  Please carry on bro.  Well done….

President Jonathan, please do something!!! The world is watching...

As the world watched, some cowards and senseless individuals, carried out a gruesome act that shows their lack of education, understanding, displaced morals, ethics, religious tolerance and a care for life.... These individuals with their brazen attacks have again shown, and pointed to the lapses, shortcomings of our INTELLIGENCE organisations.  Or is the systemic failures and the increased insecurity deliberate???  Are our intelligence organisations so out of depth that they cannot find, trace and penetrate a group of people, who make no effort to hide themselves, and are located in one part of the country, and are of one stock of people.....

Since BH has taken responsibility, what is the agenda at play here??? Trust me, I dont believe Nigerians know exactly what this organisation is fighting for and aims to achieve??? Of what purpose is the destruction of the UN office in Nigeria going to serve???? What was the message behind this stupid and senseless/murderous act of innocent people and willful destruction of property???

It is becoming evident that these wanton destruction of lives and property is politically motivated.... is BH, the tool of some dissatisfied elements in this country, is the plan to make Nigeria ungovernable, to the point that the balance of power will change??? Is that the plan??  it is important to understand the motivations of the group and its reasons for agitations. I certain dont buy the published creed of the organisation, total ban on western influences, because they use bombs, guns, cars and mobile phones.

This latest action has shown that our government is not in control at all. If a high profile target like this can be hit, then Aso Rock is not safe. I would like to call on President Jonathan to act decisively regarding this menace, and nip it in the bud before it becomes worse. He must ensure that the political class of this country are with him on this issue.  In my opinion, they have the key to putting a permanent stop to this.

President Jonathan, shouldn't agree to play politics with this BH issue. It may have started as a political gambit, but now the genie is out of the bottle and refuses to be reined in.  The creators and sponsors of this group must be made to either rein them in, or face the music.   And they must be threatened, that they stand to lose everything, I mean everything!!!

I pray our President has the "balls" to do this, because his Presidency will be determined by this BH ... plus for posterity sake, what sort of legacy does the President wants to bequeath to Nigerians.

To those innocent people who were injured or lost their lives, please trust in the fact that these guys, all of them will get their own, and soon...

President Jonathan, please do something, and please do it now!!!