Nigeria Football League Faces Fresh Crisis As Startimes Pulls Out of Broadcast Deal

“Thank God today we are showing Nigerians and the world that by the grace of God and with the support of our corporate partners like StarTimes we will achieve our dreams,” he said during the November signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, StarTimes was to broadcast two matches per week initially, increasing to four and eventually eight matches per round in subsequent seasons.

The partnership was expected to boost sponsorship opportunities and popularity, with Mr Elegbeleye projecting a N50 million annual increment from 2023 to 2028.

Abrupt exit exposes old problems

However, StarTimes’ abrupt exit poses significant challenges for the NPFL, which had begun to regain traction among fans.

While broadcasting the league was a welcomed development, the early signs already indicated another underwhelming campaign, with three Nigerian clubs crashing out of CAF competitions.

Analysts believe the same issues persist because the root causes, such as mismanagement and lack of accountability, are not being addressed.

The NPFL faces fundamental problems, including delayed sponsorship payments, poor player welfare, and financial struggles.

Players often experience delayed salaries, bonuses, and allowances, with some clubs defaulting on the minimum wage of N150,000.

As PREMIUM TIMES previously reported, President Bola Tinubu’s intervention is crucial to salvaging Nigerian football.

With StarTimes’ exit, the NPFL’s future hangs in the balance, and the need for prompt action is important to prevent further decline.