LAGOS (Sundiata Post) – Ex-international, Ike Shorunmu, on Thursday says the increase in away wins in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will boost the growth of the upper division of the country’s league.
Shorunmu, the first choice goalkeeper of the Super Eagles in the 1990’s, said this in an interview in Lagos.
He attributed the growth being experienced in the league to the dedication of the League Management Company (LMC) in partnership with the GTI Asset Management Company, sponsors of the league.
“These days you can’t predict who will win a match. It’s no longer a matter of a team is at home or away, this is so because our referees are more alive to their responsibility.
“It’s no longer business as usual, I’m optimistic that with this development our league will be better for it. These are the elements of a functional league.
“Paying referees’ indemnity as and when due has made it possible. Kudos to the leadership of the league and the sponsors. History won’t forget their dedication to the league,” he said.
He predicted that the NPFL would soon become a hub for international scouts to come pick talented players.
“Our league is a work in progress that will soon attract the attention of international scouts,” he said.
On the absence of domestic league players in the Super Eagles squad at the ongoing 2023 Nations Cup, he said: “I’d rather not comment on that. I wish the Super Eagles the best.”
Reports state that the 2023/2024 football season started Sept. 30, 2023. (NAN)
