'We are going to beat them' - NFF President compares NPFL to Premier League in bold prediction

NPFL vs Premier League: NFF President compares both.

'We are going to beat them' - NFF President compares NPFL to Premier League in bold prediction

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:04 - 23.09.2024

The NFF President highlighted the Nigerian League's progress, paralleling the EPL schedule during a visit to Enyimba.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, has drawn an ambitious comparison between the NPFL and the English Premier League, EPL, following Enyimba's qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) group stage.

In a surprise visit to Enyimba's dressing room after their victory over Etoile Filante, Gusau emphasised the strides being made in Nigerian football, particularly in the league schedule.

"For those of you that started maybe 10 years ago, have you ever seen when we're playing league, between us and England only two weeks - matches (difference)?" Gusau remarked, highlighting a narrowing gap between the NPFL and the EPL in an explosive made available to Pulse Sports Nigeria.

This comparison underscores a significant development in Nigerian football administration, suggesting that the NPFL is aligning more closely with global standards set by top leagues like the EPL.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau says NPFL will overtake PL.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau says NPFL will overtake PL.

Gusau's statement implies that Nigerian clubs are now operating on a schedule that's only slightly behind the Premier League, a fact that could have far-reaching implications for player development, league competitiveness, and international performance.

The NFF President further added, "They will play week five, we played week three and in the next couple of weeks we are going to beat them and we must do the right thing."

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Enyimba chairman Nwankwo Kanu in the dressing room.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Enyimba chairman Nwankwo Kanu in the dressing room.

This ambitious goal of surpassing the EPL's schedule reflects a desire to elevate the NPFL's status on the global stage.

Gusau's comments come at a time when Nigerian clubs, particularly Enyimba, are making their mark in continental competitions after sealing a spot in the CAFCC group stage.

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The parallel drawn with the PL not only serves as motivation for the players but also signals to stakeholders and fans that Nigerian football is on an upward trajectory, aspiring to match the standards set by the world's most popular league.

With the People’s Elpehant now set for the CAFCC group stage, this comparison with the EPL adds an extra layer of significance to their campaign.

Enyimba escape shock exit in Uyo.
Enyimba escaped shock exit in Uyo.

It suggests that success in continental competitions could be a stepping stone towards establishing the NPFL as a league of international repute, potentially rivalling the scheduling efficiency and competitiveness of the popular English Premier League.