By KATE OBODO
Former Super Eagles forward Etim John Esin has said that the Nigerian Premier League, NPL still needs ex-Internationals in its circle to effect a change in the league.

Esin, a former International believes the league has come of age and therefore needs knowledgeable people with a lot of experience to move the game forward, adding that the issue of sponsorship needs to be trashed.

“The league is improving despite the fact that a lot of things need to be done. I have said this before now, the NPL needs ex-Internationals, people who have wealth of experience to manage the game and can really push things forward just like the European league.

The inclusion of ex-Internationals with wealth of experience and their contact will go a long way to effect change in the league. They need to do every thing to get sponsors which is very much important in funding the game. We have big multinational companies that can give us that offer. Globacom for instance have tried in their own way,” Esin said.

Concerning violence in away matches, Esin said: “It is a very sad development, it is not a must to win all your home matches. You can lose at home and you can lose away. Referees have to be well paid so that they will not be intimidated.  Also there’s need for standard security so that there will be no fear especially for the referees when officiating matches and for fans coming to watch the match.

“We need to put infrastructures in place, good stadium draws fans to watch matches. One thing they should also do  to draw fans attention in our league is to ensure that the time for the English league and our domestic league does not collide.

We also need marketing strategies  to move forward. Good media  coverage and sponsorship also need to come in place. Look at the leagues in Egypt, Tunisia and even South Africa, they are well organized. We have to put our league in order, nobody will do it for us,” he concluded.