NPL impasse sickens players
by Sammy Wejinya 06 December 2012, 11:11
Several top stars have voiced their discontent over the present state of affairs in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).
The executive board of the NPL was thrown out of office by 18 clubs after a meeting in Nigeria's capital, Abuja on Wednesday.
Baribote Victor Rumson says he is still the chairman of the league board insisting that due process was not followed in his "purported removal."
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has now called for an emergency meeting on Friday to resolve issues surrounding the NPL board and the club chairmen.
Victor Ezeji is one of the most experienced players in the NPL and he believes it is time for the warring parties to sheath their swords.
“When things like this happen, it is the league and the players that suffer. This will take us nowhere and I hope the issues are resolved as quickly as possible so we can return and play football,” Ezeji told supersport.com.
Warri Wolves’ defender, Ike ThankGod was also disappointed at the crisis in the league and called for calm to be restored.
“I hear they (NPL, club owners and the NFF) will meet tomorrow. I was getting ready to play the game I love best as we were told the league will resume this month. I pray everything is resolved quickly,” he said.
Heartland captain, Chinedu Efugh also voiced his sentiments on the issue. The defender, who captained his side to Cup success in the last two seasons, said no player in any of the clubs would be happy over the development.
“I can tell you NPL players are not happy. We love football and we want to play. We feel sad when we hear things like this,” he said.
It now looks highly unlikely that the December 22 kick-off date for the 2012/13 season will stand.
