Former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo has called for increased private sector involvement and claims government ownership remains a major obstacle to growth in the NPFL.
Speaking on the state of club management and structure, Ekpo stressed that the dominance of government owned teams creates an uneven and often unhealthy competitive environment.
“Government owned teams want to win at all cost; they don’t want to leave the position,” Ekpo told Brila.net.
“So they will do everything possible to get results in their own way, but that’s why we can never play well even at away.”
He went on to identify structural issues around player management, which he believes affects professionalism and stability within teams.
“If you have players that you don’t have a contract with it is difficult because he can leave you at any given time; a prevalent trend with government owned teams.”
Way out for NPFL
Ekpo added that improved structure would allow coaches to focus on their responsibilities while also enhancing player development across clubs.
“All this put together you will now see coaches that will sit down to do their job and will get good quality players, and even develop the younger ones.
“If you have 30 players in your team five or six should be grassroots players that you will develop.”
Also read: Nwabali Snubs NPFL, Rates South African and Moroccan Leagues
During his playing career, Ekpo featured for Abiola Babes, where he captained the team to 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 secure league titles and continental qualification.
Following his retirement, Ekpo has remained involved in football administration, serving as a board member of the Akwa Ibom FA.
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