NFF seeks improved investment in football

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has called for more private sector investment in developing football in the country, saying the government cannot do it alone.

The President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, made the call at the signing of a sports development partnership agreement between the Federation and Premium Trust Bank in Abuja on Tuesday.

The agreement will see the Bank injecting N300 million yearly developing football across the country through the NFF.

Describing football as one of the unifying factors among people of diverse interests, Gusau assured Nigerians that the Federation will continue to strive for betterment and growth of football in Nigeria.

While applauding the Bank for the show of support, the NFF president said: “I can’t say how much we cherish this and we are happy with it and because of the history you have in your relationship with sport, it is only someone that values sport that can bring in this investment.

“Your investment in sports shows how committed you are in developing this critical sector. Football is a major unifying factor in Nigeria and we will give you support to be in all our programmes.

“We want to assure Nigerians that we won’t relax our efforts to improve the game of football in the country and the only way we can do this is to support you. Football is money and we can’t leave it to government alone.”

On his part, managing director and chief executive officer of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, said the firm has been actively involved in developing various sports initiatives, including the 2023 National Sports Festival in Delta.

He assured that the company will continue to nurture talent from the grassroots level and provide them opportunities for international exposure.

“We feel that the time has come for us to support Nigeria football. We have done a lot for athletes because we discover that football has become a unifying factor in a diverse country.

“We want to identify talent from the grassroots and ensure they attain international.

“It is deliberate for us. It might cost us money but we feel that it is a way as bank we can support the country. Our coming into this space will redefine Nigeria football both locally and internationally.”