As a way of helping clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL as the new season is set to commence, the IMC has presented the twenty clubs participant with the sum of 10 million each.
The total sum of 200 million was dole out by the league body who is temporarily in charge of the league at a presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday.
The financial aid was made possible by league sponsors, GTI group whose Group Managing Director, Lawal Abubakar was present at the ceremony alongside the NFF president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and Chairman of the Club Owners, Barr. Danladi.
Speaking at the ceremony, the IMC Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, noted that the development was a fulfillment of the league organising body’s promise.
Elegbeleye added that the clubs are open to more support as the league progresses. He thanked the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, the NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the club chairmen, sponsors, and partners for their support.
“We came into being with a promise to improve the state of the competition.
“We are here now to do as promised, giving the participating clubs the sum of N10 million each to help kickstart the season.
“I can promise here again that we are ready to give some money again as the league goes on, in order to help the clubs cushion the financial burden of playing in the competition,” he said.
Elegbeleye then announced that winners of the league, which is going to be in an abridged format, will receive as prize the sum of N100 million at the end of this season.
In his remarks during the cheque presentation, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, said the development was in line with his plan for Nigerian football.
“Before I came in as NFF President, I had said we must get the league right in order to move forward in the game as a country.
“So, the issue of having a premier league that is professionally run is important, and that is what we are seeing with the IMC now. This is praiseworthy,” he said.
Gusau used the opportunity to reiterate NFF’s full support for the IMC, saying the question of playing the 2022/2023 season in an abridged format is a matter of necessity.
“We need to start the league so as to end it early and start the new season by August.
“This way, the players will have time to rest and prepare well for the next season and do better on the continent.
“Luckily for us, IMC has been doing well and the sponsors are set to back them. So, let us give them all the support needed to succeed.
“That is why I will be in Uyo on Sunday to watch the star match of the Match Day 1 fixtures —- between Akwa United and Bendel Insurance,” he said.
By Uche Dozie