Elegbeleye-led Board Targets Increased Revenue Base For Nigeria Premier League

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Board, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, has said that the Nigerian League would be better administered if there is enough money to enhance the quality of the league.

While speaking at the Inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the league held on Tuesday at the Sandralia Hotel, Jabi, Abuja, Elegbeleye, applauded the contributions of the investment partners of the league, especially GTI Assets Management, adding “We will still be counting on this mutually beneficial relationship in our drive to grow the financial base of the league. Our aim is to increase the revenue base to such extent that the clubs will generate money from Sponsorship shares to attract quality players from beyond Nigeria and also improve their infrastructure.”

Elegbeleye was excited about the new innovation deployed in the broadcast of matches. He said “it gladdens my heart to again harp on the Broadcast Streaming deal with Propel Sports Africa which has as of today, deployed cameras to ten venues as a start-up. They plan to have a camera in each Stadium in the long run while we work out modalities to move cameras from one location to the nearest.

“So far the AI Cameras have been deployed, installed and tested in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Uyo and Aba. Other locations are Ilorin, Jos, Gombe, Katsina and Kano. The distribution covers the geographical zones. In the days ahead, there will be a big announcement coming on the Broadcast Streaming deal.

“Let me also use this very opportune occasion to appeal to our club leaders here to offer all required support to the Propel Sports Africa team as they start. Firstly, is that all individual club streaming activity is no longer allowed as clubs will be offered the data of all their matches including individual analytics for each player.”

The chairman warned the club owners that adherence to the rules and regulations will be taken seriously as the season kick-off date draws nearer.

“He said: “As we move to commence the new season, this Board will be firm in enforcement of the rules and regulations as well as be very fair to all. There will be no favouritism in applying the rules no matter whose interest is at stake as our sole interest is the good of the league. Therefore, we would be building on the achievements of the last season to ensure that Nigeria’s domestic league reclaims a pride of place in Africa.”