Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi

By Olawale Ajimotokan

Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the federal government wants to transform the Nigeria Premier League by adding value and improving sponsorship before the commencement of the next football season.

He also said the transformation will enhance the lot of the national team.

The Minister made this declaration when the board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) led by Victor Baribote paid a courtesy call on him.

He asked the board of NPL to take advantage of the relative peace prevailing in the football administration to reposition the league and attract fans to football matches across the nation.

Abdullahi said the impasse that has hampered the sponsorship deal of the premier league will be resolved before the commencement of the league next season.

He similarly frowned at the proposed international friendly between Arsenal and Nigerian Super Eagles.

He said that the match billed for August 5 should not be a pre-condition for the National Sports Commission (NSC) to rush its plans to re grass the national stadium pitch.