We would attract more teams to Nationwide League – Gaiya
By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Kaduna.
In view of the importance of the development of grassroots football in the country, the 165 teams currently participating in the Nationwide League 1 are insufficient, as such, measures would be taken to attract more teams, immediate past Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Honourable Godfrey Gaiya has said.
He stated this while speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, where he suggested that each of the 774 local government areas in the country should be represented by a team in the league.
“For me, there should be more than the present 165 teams participating in the Nationwide League. It is a grassroots league and there are 774 local government areas in the country.
“It would be better if each LGA has one team in the league because it is the only team that can cater for the grassroots,” he said.
He explained that if given the mandate and he becomes the chairman of the Nationwide League 1 Board, he would ensure that the number of teams participating is increased through improved welfare for participating teams.
“We would ensure that the indemnities and accommodation of the referees and officials are taken care of by the board, to ease the burden off the chairmen of the clubs,” he assured.
