Hope rises for Nigerian football as league kicks off

The Nigerian League will kick off this weekend amid hopes it could finally command interest, at least at home, as well as supply players to a national team dominated by foreign-based stars.

The championship, whose kick-off date has suffered several postponements to further underscore its rash of problems, was founded over a dozen years ago but it has fallen far short of most expectations.

Crowd attendances have been poor, hooliganism is on the rise despite clampdowns by the authorities, clubs are losing money with each kick of the ball while the players are overlooked by the country's team selectors.

But unlike last season, the new soccer term has a sponsor, the telecommunications company Globacom which will pay over two million dollars over four years.

Former England star John Fashanu, new head of the league management committee, has also promised to make the league grounds safe so as to get families back to the stands.

In addition, organisers promise live television broadcast of top matches every week as several of the country's stars led by 1993 African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini have returned to the local scene.

Added to this is that in the last few months the local league stars have got their chance to shine with the national team, the 'Super Eagles'.

The 'Local Eagles' have acquitted themselves well against Senegal, Egypt and Jamaica that several of them notably Enyimba's new signing Romanus Orjinta and Seyi Olajengbesi from Julius Berger are now being seriously considered for the main team.

"There is so much to look forward to this season, from live telecast of matches to better organisation," said associate publisher of the monthly Kick off magazine, Emeka Enyadike.

"If we remember that this was the same competition that produced top-class players like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha, then there is no doubting the talent that abounds here.

"We only have to be better organised to reap the benefits of what we've got."

Eighteen teams will feature in the Premier League while 32 other clubs split into two zonal groups will form the Professional League.

Enyimba of Aba are defending champions for the second year running but would be pushed hard by a pack of other clubs including cup holders Julius Berger and last season's runners-up Enugu Rangers for the top prize.

Enyimba, or the 'Peoples Elephant' as they are known by their fans, have been busiest on the transfer market as they not only battle to keep their crown but also stake a claim for the African Champions League this year.

Berger, champions three years ago, have fortified their ranks with the arrival of Yekini, who even at the grand old age of 39 still has a few goals left in his boots.

Rangers have taken on a Yugoslav coach, Kostadin Papic, so as to reclaim the title they last won more than twenty years ago.

Newly promoted clubs Niger Tornadoes, Delta United and Kwara United, on the other hand, will have to redouble their efforts to ensure they stay up with the big boys by the time the season rounds up in September.

Week one fixtures:

Saturday, February 1

Kwara Vs Kano Pillars

Jigawa Vs Insurance

Wikki Vs Sunshine

Berger Vs Gombe

Plateau Vs Dolphin

Tornadoes Vs Rangers

Sunday, February 2

Sharks Vs Lobi

Nationale Vs Delta

Gabros Vs Enyimba