The bane of NPFL government ownership – Friday Ekpo

Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has called for greater private sector involvement, saying government ownership remains a major obstacle to the growth of the NPFL.

Speaking on the state of club management and structure, Ekpo highlighted that the dominance of government-owned teams creates an unequal and often unhealthy competitive environment.

“The government-owned teams want to win at all costs; they don’t want to leave office,” Ekpo told Brila.net.

“So they will do everything they can to get results their way, but that’s why we will never be able to play well, even away from home.”

He went on to identify structural issues around player management, which he believes affect professionalism and stability within teams.

“If you have players you don’t have a contract with, it’s difficult because they can leave you at any time – a common trend in government-owned teams.”

Output for NPFL

Ekpo added that an improved structure would allow coaches to focus on their responsibilities while also improving player development across clubs.

“With all this together, we will now see coaches who will sit down and do their job and get good quality players, and even develop the younger ones.

“If you have 30 players on your team, five or six should be core players that you will develop.”

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During his playing career, Ekpo played for Abiola Babes, where he captained the team for promotion from the Second Division to the First Division in 1984.

He also played for Leventis United, contributing to multiple cup successes.

With Iwuanyanwu Nationale he finished as the league’s top scorer in 1988 and helped the club to league titles and continental qualification.

Following his retirement, Ekpo remained involved in football administration, serving as a member of the Akwa Ibom FA board of directors.