Veteran football coach Godwin Koko Uwa has praised the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL, citing improvements such as away victories and a competitive league table as indicators of growth. Speaking on the league’s current state, Uwa, known for his time with clubs like Lobi Stars and Enyimba, expressed optimism about its progress this season.
Although no longer directly involved, Uwa follows NPFL closely and is impressed with the standard of play. He highlighted that the current competitiveness, with teams securing points away from home and the league standings remaining tight, reflects significant progress. “If this trend continues, the league will only get better,” Uwa noted.
He further linked the league’s improvements to Nigeria’s potential for better performances in continental competitions. Uwa suggested that fair qualification processes ensure only the best teams represent the country, which would elevate Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
Reflecting on matchday 13 results, Uwa noted that any team could emerge victorious in the league this season, given the narrow point margins. He also expressed hope that Lobi Stars, one of his former clubs, might claim the title, emphasizing that consistency will determine the eventual winner.
Editorial
The praise from Godwin Koko Uwa for the NPFL is a refreshing reminder of the league’s potential and progress. For years, Nigerian football enthusiasts have lamented issues such as poor infrastructure, biased officiating, and a lack of competitiveness. However, the emergence of closely contested matches and away wins signals a transformative shift in the NPFL’s landscape.
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As stakeholders, we must acknowledge the positive changes while remaining committed to addressing the league’s persistent challenges. Improved officiating and better management practices are encouraging signs, but more can be done. For instance, ensuring better financial support for teams and upgrading facilities can further enhance the league’s appeal.
The competitive nature of this season’s NPFL also serves as a lesson in resilience. Teams that previously dominated must now work harder, while underdogs have risen to challenge the status quo. This unpredictability not only attracts fans but also prepares Nigerian clubs for international tournaments.
We believe that the NPFL’s progress should inspire more support from sponsors, fans, and policymakers. Football remains a unifying force in Nigeria, and the league’s growth reflects our collective strength and passion. By nurturing this momentum, we can elevate Nigerian football to global standards.
Did You Know?
- The NPFL was established in 1972 and has undergone multiple reforms to improve its structure.
- Nigeria boasts one of the largest football fan bases in Africa, with millions following the NPFL.
- Enyimba FC, one of Uwa’s former teams, remains the most successful Nigerian club in continental competitions, winning the CAF Champions League twice.
- The NPFL is among the few African leagues implementing video assistant referee VAR technology for key matches.
- Lobi Stars, highlighted by Uwa, last won the NPFL title in 1999 and remain one of the league’s enduring teams.
