By Gracious Akujobi
Former Chairman of Kano Pillars Football Club, Muhammed Tukur Babangida has said that it was high time state governments quit club ownership for the game to move forward.
Babangida, who led Kano Pillars to win Nigerian league title in 2009, while congratulating newly promoted Nigeria National League side Giwa FC of Jos, said that the more privately run clubs we have in the league the better.
He said that Nigeria can only boast of playing real professional football when individuals, communities and corporate organizations take over the ownership of clubs in Nigeria
“I think our league will be better if governments hand off ownership of clubs. Clubs are better managed and organized as a private entity than a government agency.
“As a private club there is accountability and prudence in the running and management. I also believe that corporate world would come in to partner the clubs. This is what is obtainable in other parts of the world and Nigeria cannot be different” Babangida said
