LMC lures ex-internationals
The League Management Company has introduced an innovative scheme called the ‘Elite Players Project’, which aims to lure experienced ex-internationals back to the Glo PremierLeague.
Details of the scheme have already been listed in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules, and were explained to all 20 clubs in a circular signed by the LMC’s chief operating officer, Salihu Abubakar.
The circular listed the major objective to include the improvement of professionalism in the NPFL by permitting clubs to register a maximum of two ex-international players in addition to the maximum 35 allowed in a season.
“The LMC hereby brings to the notice of all participating Clubs of the NPFL the commencement of its ‘Elite Players Project’. This project is pursuant to Rules 9.65, 9.67. 13.60.1, 13.60(viii) and 15.21 of the NPFL Framework and Rules 2013/14 season,” the circular read.
Further explaining its benefits, Abubakar said the scheme is expected to increase the level of experience in the Glo Premier League.
“It has been designed to increase and deepen playersexperience pool of the league, bolster the morale and confidence of younger players in the NPFL, project the image of the league as a welcoming and conducive playing environment for the return of Nigeria’s finest crop of international professional footballers and boost the mass appeal of the league for commercialisation”.
Similar initiatives already exist in South American leagues, as well as in South Africa and the MLS in the United States.
Enyimba are the first club to benefit from the move having signed former Nigeria international Sani Kaita on a short-term loan deal. The LMC revealed that they are willing to financially assist clubs that look to utilise the programme.
“To encourage the players to settle down, the LMC will pay additional stipends that will make life more comfortable to the elite players and help them adjust faster,” Abubakar said.