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League does not seem to be abating despite efforts by the league’s governing body to bring it under control.


The reason for the lack of interest is of course well known to those who have followed the game closely in the last few years. In addition to the traditional problems dogging it, the whole crisis surrounding who should and who shouldn’t be head of the body served to further put off football fans who found another reason to defend their pas- sion for foreign football.


One common factor in cases of violence at Nigerian stadiums is the inability of the clubs to fish out the perpetrators. Whether this is a deliberate act on the part of the clubs, and there have been instances in the past where clubs have been accused of deliberately fuelling violence, remains uncertain. But with hooliganism taking on new forms especially in an age where weapons such as knives, machetes, iron rods and clubs, as well as firearms are readily available, and can be sneaked into match ven- ues, it appears Nigerian stadiums will not get to become as family friendly as the league body would desire.


Lack of dedication and commitment of players are factors also responsible for the low standard of football in Nigerian league and the national teams. Today, every club playing in the Nigerian Premier League is owned by state governments, which admin- ister them pretty much in the careless and mindless way the business of government is run.


If the league system in Nigeria is to be improved, then the issue of club owners


should be addressed. Back to the game, the League witnessed some impressive and eye- catching performances notably the reemergence of Enyimba FC as title contend- ers after initially going through a slump in form. Their fortunes since the turn of the year has improved thus giving more competition to the league but the ‘win-at-all- cost’ attitude of Home teams has led to a barrage of criticism owing to the issue of conten- tious late goals being scored by home teams.


With the foreign leagues serving as a bench mark in terms of quality of football and organization, the government has a role to play especially in the area of security of human lives and properties at league venues. The menace of violence at stadia across the country should be stemmed in the bud as is the case in most European countries such as Turkey where the legislature passed a bill that will see persons who enter the playing area, changing rooms, corridors, and exit tunnels without authoriza- tion facing a prison sentence ranging from three months to a year, or a fine.


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