Ex international Ben Iroha has given a pat on the back to the chairman of the nation’s premier league, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye declaring that he has changed the face of the league. The United States based former Super Eagles defense strongman who was in Uyo over the weekend to see the Eagles play disclosed that he has been following the nation’s domestic league from his base. Iroha who was full of praise for the NPFL boss said it is good to see that Hon Elegbeleye has changed the face of the league. In his words…”Hon Gbenga has changed a lot of things. I have been following the league closely and I am impressed with the job he is doing. Just last weekend Kano Pillars returned to their base and the visiting team secured a draw in Kano.
Pillars also won some weeks back in Enugu. Beyond the improvement in officiating there is improved security at match venues and this is why the referees are bold to officiate fairly. We are going back to the good old days. Don’t forget that as a player, I played for several clubs in Nigeria. I played for Falcons of Aba that is today Enyimba. I played for Heartland before going Overseas. Our league is getting back to what it used to be. I want to tell Hon Elegbeleye not to relent. He is doing an excellent job. Hon Elegbeleye is a person that I have known for over two decades and I know he is a serious minded person. I want corporate bodies to come and support and identify with the ongoing turn around.” Iroha stressed that with corporate support players would be well paid at home and situation which he noted would help the Super Eagles.
“You can see that South Africa has a good number of their players plying their trade at home. This is because those playing at home are well paid. My appeal is that corporate bodies should support the NPFL so that clubs at home can retain some of their best legs. That way we won’t be relying 100 percent of foreign based players to prosecute our matches.” Iroha expressed confidence that the Eagles would get back on track when the World Cup 2026 qualifiers resume early next year, even as he congratulated Eguavoen and his players for landing in Morocco for next year’s AFCON.
EXUIFA urges NFF to appoint substantive Super Eagles Head Coach
The Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to expedite the appointment of a substantive Head Coach for the Super Eagles. In a recent opinion poll conducted among its members, the association emphasized the need for a permanent coach to be appointed, ideally before the next qualifying match. The consensus among EXUIFA members is that Coach Augustine Eguavoen should revert to his role as Technical Director, while a new foreign or local coach is appointed to lead the team for a minimum period of two years.
This recommendation is not a reflection on Eguavoen’s tactical abilities but rather a call for a fresh perspective, as the current team lacks the discipline required to succeed at the highest level. By appointing a substantive Head Coach, the NFF can provide stability and direction for the Super Eagles, enabling them to reach their full potential. They were of the opinion that the Federation should expand its scouting system to ensure that only the best players are given the opportunity to dorn the country’s colour, as some of the players in the team currently, have no business to be there. The Association which is made of all the players that have passed through the Premier University in the country, will hold its 10th Anniversary on 21 December 2024.
