Nigerian football will become as big as the best in the rest of the world if the private sector took advantage of the many benefits in the local game, finance partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI, has said.

The firm, which recently announced EuroMatch as the title sponsor of the NPFL with a deal worth millions of dollars, said the corporate world is beginning to note the advantages in investing in the league hence the new wave of interest in the product.

Speaking at a parley with media leaders in Lagos yesterday, Group Managing Director, GTI, Abubakar Lawal, said that Euromatch’s decision to invest in the NPFL is a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian football and in the enormous opportunities that exist within our domestic sports ecosystem and the economy at large.

He added: “We are particularly delighted that Euromatch has chosen to become part of the NPFL journey at this defining moment. Your arrival represents not merely a commercial partnership, but a statement that our elite league has the potential to become one of the most compelling football properties on the African continent.

“The NPFL is a league built around a country of more than 230 million people, millions of passionate football followers, a remarkable pool of young football talent and a football culture that is deeply embedded in our national identity.

“Our league has produced players who have gone on to excel for the Super Eagles and at some of the biggest clubs around the world. Every NPFL season provides an opportunity to discover the next generation of Nigerian football stars. And today, the league has another important reason for optimism.”

Lawal said that the NPFL’s ranking as the fifth best in Africa by FIFA reflects the quality, competitiveness and growing stature of our elite domestic competition. “But we must not be satisfied with fifth place. Our ambition must be to build an NPFL that competes among the very best leagues in Africa and, ultimately, becomes a globally recognised football brand; therefore we are delighted to have Euromatch with us now.”

He appealed to “corporate Nigeria and to businesses beyond our shores to come and invest in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

“The NPFL offers enormous possibilities for companies seeking visibility, brand engagement, community impact and long-term commercial opportunities. Our football clubs are spread across the country, giving sponsors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with diverse communities and millions of passionate consumers.”

Beyond commercial returns, Lawal said: “Investing in the NPFL is an investment in our young people. It is an investment in talent development, employment, entertainment, grassroots football and the future of the Super Eagles. At GTI Group, our strategic partnership with the NPFL is driven by the belief that Nigerian football can become a powerful economic and social enterprise as we make efforts to put the right structures, investment and professionalism together.

“We believe the time has come for more stakeholders to join this journey. The government has a role; club owners have a role; the Nigeria Football Federation has a role; the media has a role, and the fans have a role. And, perhaps most importantly, the private sector has a major role to play.”

He reiterated that Euromatch has demonstrated what is possible when corporate vision meets sporting potential, while commending the Federal Government for creating an environment capable of attracting such a significant partnership.”

Lawal also commended EuroMatch for investing in the league, assuring the firm of a mutually rewarding partnership that will “strengthen the league, empower our clubs, showcase our players and inspire millions of Nigerian football fans.”