NSSC Boss assures NLO Clubs of govt support ahead of new league season
NSSC Boss assures NLO Clubs of govt support ahead of new league season
By Abubakar Hassan
The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu, has assured members of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Clubs Forum of the state government’s support ahead of the forthcoming league season scheduled for April.
Hon. Abdul Masu gave the assurance when the forum paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s office complex in Minna, stating that the government, through the Commission, remains committed to supporting clubs within available resources to ensure a successful outing.
He acknowledged the challenges facing sports development, particularly funding constraints, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility due to competing demands such as insecurity, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to assist clubs within its capacity.
The NSSC Chairman urged club owners to adopt a business oriented approach to football administration by attracting partnerships and sponsorships from corporate organizations and individuals, noting that sustainable funding models would reduce over dependence on government and promote long term growth.
While emphasizing that football remains a global sport with significant economic value, he stressed the need to give equal attention to other sports to ensure balanced development across the sector.
Speaking on preparations for the upcoming league, he disclosed plans to set up a committee to coordinate logistics, particularly accommodation for visiting teams, adding that arrangements would be made to house teams in schools to reduce costs while ensuring their comfort.
He further explained that hosting league matches in the state would generate economic benefits through increased commercial activities, including patronage of local vendors and service providers.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the NLO Clubs Forum in the state, Mallam Tanko Bawa Mayaki, appealed to the Commission for greater support for grassroots football development, noting that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration and seeking government assistance.
He said running football clubs at the grassroots level requires significant financial commitment, which individual owners often struggle to sustain, stressing that although football is a business, it demands consistent investment to nurture young talents.
Mallam Mayaki added that Niger State has about 14 to 15 clubs competing in the Nationwide League across Divisions One and Two, making it one of the leading states in the North Central region.
He expressed optimism that with improved collaboration between the Commission and club owners, football development in the state would continue to grow and produce more talents capable of excelling on the national and international stage.
He also used the opportunity to present an award to Hon. Abdul Masu on behalf of the forum, in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the development of sports in Niger State.
The Nationwide League One season is expected to kick off in April, with clubs across the country preparing for the competition.
