By: Sunny Canto
Astonishing and historical beginning for the (NWFL) Nigeria Women’s Football League and the (NNL) Nigeria National League as a juicy; mouth-watering and significant milestone contract was pen-down today with giant investors known as Toptier Sports Management (TSM) at Frasier Hotel, Abuja; Nigeria. Besides, the country’s second-tier men’s and women’s competition have never attracted any huge landmark of ₦40 billion investment in Nigerian football since inception.
However, the eventful gathering that had sport industry stakeholders and professionals of all works of life amongst are Lawyer’s; Entrepreneur’s; Architect’s; Doctor’s; Engineer’s; Music Entertainer’s in attendance. And the Ten Years investment plan, which spans for a decade sponsorship, also the goal is to build, empower financial base, visibility and commercial viability of both leagues.
According to TSM pioneer (Mrs.) Chichi Nwoko speech, she explained that ₦200 million will be available annually to both League organizers, summing-up to ₦400 million a year while the sum total disbursement of ₦4 billion over the sponsorship period on the league bodies as other funds goes to Referees indemnity, media publicity, marketing etc.
Aside from direct funding to the leagues, Nwoko stated that TSM plans to invest approximately ₦1 billion annually in the project. Of this amount, ₦800 million will be dedicated to broadcast production, Nwoko hinted that the initiative is aimed at creating more open doors for private-sector investment, improve league discipline, accessibility and ensure timely payment of referees' indemnities and other operational obligations.
Meanwhile, the NNL Chairman (Mr.) George Aluo while responding to the initiative expressed a heartfelt gratitude to TSM founder Chichi Nwoko and the (NSC) Director General of the National Sports Commission, (Hon.) Bukola Olopade, describing them as team players and goal-getters also, referring to both as major influencers in sport development.
Noticeably, this huge contract is timely and coming at a critical moment when both leagues are in urgent need of financial backing to grow and become more stable," Aluo said.
Amazingly, (Mrs.) Modupe Shabi, who is the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, appreciated the deal, saying it is a huge motivation and morale booster that will help Women's Football in Nigeria. Assuring everyone that the Money will be meticulously used for increasing and promoting the league to enviable heights.
In summary, Dr. Mohammed Sanisu (NFF) Secretary-General who represented Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau of (NFF) President did expressed satisfaction and commitment to the course, that whatever support needed to improve will definitely be given by the mother-body; Nigeria Football Federation.
