I have keenly watched with rising interest the dramatic dexterity of press releases between the club owners and the NWFL board as regards the NWPL particularly this season.
The accusations and counter accusations by both parties have been not only vivid but an avenue for personal vendetta and an excuse to test the pulse of stake holders and advocates of the game.
I am not one to be easily swayed with sentimental outcry without facts.
I took out time to x ray the Aisha Falode led board and in so doing can not avoid unintentionally juxtaposing it with the previous board.
The greatest challenge of the women league is the rot in the system. Over the years the league was run like a child's play with clubs being pampered to play with their long dossier of debts.
Aisha Falode must certainly step on toes to revive the system and most especially step on the toes of those that want the system pinned down. This she is doing no matter the position of such individual.
At the 2017 congress in Abuja, the new board waived all debts including registration, fines and caution fees running into millions of naira.
The board in all fairness wanting to start afresh slashed caution fees from the previous board from
Red = 30K to 20K
Yellow. to. 10K
And on this new footing the league kick started with a lot of doubts, skeptical lens based on the failures of the past board.
Alas it was like a dream when tidings progressed and moved to the zenith.
I really would not like to sound like a broken record but please be happy for the board for the following transformation.
* A full season without a walkover
*Taking over match officials indemnities.
* Having a cup final with monetary rewards with the following ranges 3 million, 2 million and one million.
* The advent of a champions shield with fully covered accommodation and monetary rewards for both teams
* Media interest has grown tremendously
*The board was able to negotiate a good sum for the AITEO cup winners and runner up.
* Seminars on securing the future of our girls as regards playing football and spicing it with education was also introduced.
What else can one ask for, all accomplished in just one season?
The board in her magnanimity waived monies running into 20 million naira both in the premier league and pro league yet some persons cry the hardest for no just reasons.
A particular press release was posted threatening a boycott of the league based on some issues that could not be discussed publicly but my space could be eroded on with unnecessary releases.
What were the issues
* A cry for further cut on caution fees
* Non payment of registration fees by some clubs
* A straight league which you and I know is a nightmare for some clubs.
Apart from the last agitation all others are a dust in the eyes. Football is a serious business and must be treated as one.
All erring clubs should do the needful.
Kudos to Aisha Falode for the freedom of players to join another club as a free agent after 3 months of non payment of salary by the parent club.
So why would I speak up against a board that has not been found wanting for now.
For those wanting to know where I stand after seeing the releases by both parties.
I stand by Aisha Falode
I stand for the progress of the NWPL
You either abide by the rules as a club owner or ship out if you can't cope.
My support for good works doesn't necessarily tie my tongue when it is time for constructive criticism.
I hope I have been able to tickle the consciousness of Oganla media a little.
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