BY KATE OBODO
The constant shifting of the 2010/2011 league match dates has continued to generate comments from league followers and management of various clubs, particularly Sharks FC of Port Harcourt which spokesman, Confidence Idaa has complained bitterly.

Idaa disclosed to  Inside Out Premier League that the inconsistency of the league has affected  the steady programmes of various clubs particularly theirs as it has also made the game uninteresting for followers of the game.

“Honestly we are not really happy with the way things are being run in the league especially with the inconsistent match dates. I believe by now we should have been done with the 20101/2011 season. It is only in Nigeria that league matches are postponed over-night, matches are shifted at will. This does not allow for proper preparation and planning. Clubs no longer  run a steady programme as a result of the shifts.

Continuing he said, “ The few  fans who watch matches that we complained about can no longer follow the games any more because of same problem. The NPL on their part, should find a lasting solution to these occurrences that always slow down league activities every season.

They should also learn from other Football Associations so as to be able to run the league very well. Nigeria is blessed with talents but if not well managed we will continue losing them to north and southern African clubs.

Our players need improved welfare package — Rasheed

Enyimba Football Club attacking  midfielder, Olabiyi Rasheed has said that Nigerian league  players need improved remuneration and welfare package to perform well.

The former Peppsi Academy player, said that despite the effort made by players  to ensure they get good results for their clubs, they still get little pay at the end and owed by club owners.

“Nigerian league players deserve proper care in all ramifications. This is because they work hard for it. Instead of good welfare package for them after working so hard, they are owed by their clubs. The NPL on their part should make sure that things are done properly, they should help players because they are suffering. The league can be organised better than what it is now like the European league if the people at the helm of affairs can effect changes  in the organisational aspect especially  players welfare. They (NPL) should tell the clubs owners to always pay  players as at when due.

South Africa’s league is not as good as ours but the way they organise their  league makes it look as if their league is better  than ours. Honestly, the Nigerian league has potentials, players who have what it takes to rule the World  but we can only  achieve that  if  we  put our act together,” he said.

Adisa scores Nigerian football league low

Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Amusa Adisa has expressed sadness over the poor running of the Nigeria Premier League, NPL so far this season.

The former Shooting Stars player who spoke to Inside Out Premier League, believes that the league would have gone beyond what it is today and even better than others in  Africa only if it has been properly managed

“We are really not developing in this country. We have been in the same spot, roaming about for so long. By now, clubs in the league should have gotten a stadium of their own instead of playing their home matches in government owned stadia.

“We keep changing the names and administrators of clubs thinking it will bring result. Those days, players play with shared interest, these days, money is the sole aim. Since we introduced professionalism in our football 21 years ago, things are still not getting better.

The most painful aspect of the whole thing is that none of these clubs can boast of any investment. They all depend solely on government funds.

“We need to put our house together for us to have a better league else, other African countries will leave us behind. The NFF and NPL should have a policy in place that all clubs most conform to or face sanction. This will bring in some consciousness abiding by rules  in the league,” Adisa said.