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By Abiodun Adewale
Nigerian songwriter and music composer, Segun Akinolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, believes the Nigeria Premier Football League has the tendency to create wealth if its potential is harnessed.
Akinolu on Thursday shared a photo of himself watching an NPFL game at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
The NPFL is broadcast live by Pay-TV giants StarTimes.
The match in his picture appeared to be the match-day 24 encounter between 3SC and Akwa United, which the home team won 3-0 on March 10 and the 56-year-old waxed lyrical about the league.
“Went to watch a Shooting Stars game the other day with my brother and crew. It was fun and safe. Despite the glaring shortcomings of the NPFL, the league has great potential for youth employment and wealth creation. We should be looking more inward. Not Europe and EPL all the time,” he said.
Akinolu’s stance must also have been backed by the usual electrifying atmosphere in Ibadan, as the 10,000-capacity Lekan Salami Stadium usually records one of the highest attendances in the league.
The 2023/24 NPFL season has entered match-day 32 this weekend with the run-in for the title between five clubs or more.
Seven-time champions Enugu Rangers are leading the pack with 54 points, followed by nine-time winners and reigning champions, Enyimba, with 52 points.
Lobi Stars also have 52 points but are third on goal difference just as Plateau United and Remo Stars also sit fourth and fifth with 50 points each.
3SC are sixth in the table with 49 points. Down the log, the relegation battle is also heating up with about eight clubs still playing for safety.
Gombe United, who have suffered a six-point deduction this season as a result of framework breaches, are bottom of the table with just 22 points. The Naze Millionaires, Heartland are above them with 29 points, 2021 champions Akwa United are 18th with 34 points while Bayelsa United complete the red zone in 17th with 36 points.