By Ime Bassey

Following the election of Victor Rumson Baribote as the Chairman of the Nigerian Premier League board, Niger Tornadoes Coach, Justin Tenge has urged him to bring about visible changes to the game.

In a chat with Inside Out premier league, the former Kwara United gaffer advised the Bayelsa United chairman to revisit the foundation of the crisis that brought him to office, failure to do so which he warned will undermine the growth of football.

“We need to tell ourselves the truth, we have lost it and must go back to the foundation where we missed it, and start afresh, else, we will not come out of this crisis. It is so sad that those running our football are not taking into consideration the negative effects that the crisis causes to our football development.

“Baribote should remember that we have been waiting for just four matches to be played for over three months now which, is a bad thing. He must ensure that visible structures are put in place for the benefit of the players,” added Coach Tenge.

Match-fixing: Dolphins want offenders punished

By KATE OBODO

Dolphins want the Nigeria Football Federation to take a firm action over the alleged match-fixing claim surrounding the Premier League match between Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars.

Lobi Stars chairman, Dominic Iorfa, has accused Sunshine Stars of trying to compromise the match officials for their rescheduled Premier League match billed for the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi..

The match officials were said to have been caught in the same vehicle as officials of Sunshine Stars FC, on the way to the game in Bauchi. The match ended in a score draw.

In the event of a sanction on Sunshine Stars, Dolphins, who are locked in a two-way fight for the title with Sunshine, might win the league.

Speaking to Inside Out Premier League, Dolphins’ Spokesman, China Acheru, said the NFF disciplinary committee should act based on the rules and regulation of the game and take drastic measure on the offender,.

“All we want is for the offenders to be punished according to the rules of the game. We must not tolerate match-fixing in any guise, if we want our league to grow”, said Acheru.

Acheru also informed that the club had already paid the players their complete sign-on fees for the on-going season.

Acheru said that the new Sports Commissioner of Rivers State, Fred Igwe, advised for the prompt payment of the sign-on-fee to enable the team give their best in their quest to win the title..

“Right now, the management is not owning sign-on-fee and salaries except August salary, hopefully will be paid on Monday. The only thing yet to be paid is match bonuses but the players are not complaining. For now what we do is to train and play friendly games with local clubs around. We are also guarding against injuries.

“We remain confident of winning the title, even though we are second, on goal differences, but we will definitely win the title”, added Acheru.