The Chancellor of the Sports University of Nigeria, Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta, Sen. Ned Nwoko, has urged stronger partnerships between public institutions and private investors to reposition Nigeria’s football sector for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development, made the call during an interview in Abuja on Monday.
He stressed that deeper private sector involvement remained vital for advancing sports development and achieving meaningful success at both domestic and global levels.
According to him, inadequate funding and weak private investment continue to hinder football growth nationwide.
“Nigerian investors possess the resources and influence needed to transform football into a vibrant industry that delivers economic and social value,” he said.
He therefore encouraged business leaders and corporate organisations to play more active roles in financing football clubs and development programmes.
“Many of the problems confronting our football system stem from funding limitations. Government efforts alone are not sufficient.
“Globally, thriving football clubs are largely supported by private investors, and Nigeria must adopt similar models to remain competitive,” he added.
The senator also observed that the small number of professionally managed clubs had restricted opportunities for players, coaches and referees to gain valuable exposure required for international advancement.
“The expansion of professionally run clubs will create more avenues for participation, skill development and global qualification, which are currently constrained by limited investment,” he noted.
Nwoko concluded that private sector participation in football should be viewed beyond sponsorship, describing it as a strategic investment in youth empowerment, job creation and national sporting excellence.