TITBITS

Sharks Football Club could move into its own stadium starting from next season, according to the Rivers State sports commission, Honourable Boma Iyaye, who is also chairman of the side. He said Sharks FC Stadium located in Port Harcourt would be ready to play host to Premier League matches when the 2009/2010 season begins on August 30. The Rivers sports commissioner was conducted round the stadium facilities by Glenkemp Project Limited, the company that handled the building of the complex. It was learnt that the facilities at the stadium are similar to that of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

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There was misunderstanding between the representatives of the 20 Premier League clubs and officials of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) during the last congress in Makurdi last week. The crux of the matter was that the clubs were demanding a pay rise in appearing fees. Chairmen of the clubs requested that the NPL up the fee from N10 million to N15 million, which means the league board would have to cough up N300 million in the new season rather than N200 million as it has done in the past. Former Enugu Rangers’ general manager, Davidson Owumi, came to the rescue when he moved a motion that a review panel should be set up to look into the matter. Niger Tornadoes’ chairman, David Suleiman, heads that panel.

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It is becoming likely that the August 30 date set by the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) as kick off date for the 2009/2010 season may not be feasible after all. Some of the Premier League clubs have favoured September 12 while others are rooting for September 19. But a decision may be taken when the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) holds in Lokoja, where it would review and ratify decisions for the Premier League and the Nigeria National League (NNL) also known as the National Division I League before the start of the new season.

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Some clubs may have to find themselves stadia which has suitable or rather television-friendly pitches if they must compete in the Premier League next season. It was agreed at the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) congress by the clubs and the league board last week that it is imperative for the clubs to have television-friendly stadia. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Engineer Sani Ndanusa, also got commendation for agreeing to allow some of the clubs play in the stadia that would play host to the Under-17 World Cup later this year.
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It has been understood that the Premier League board could demand a new sponsorship fee from Globacom Nigeria Limited on Monday (today) when both parties meet in Lagos. The fee is believed to be in the region of N1 billion and N1.5 billion, according to a source. And if the title sponsor fails to meet the valuation, the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) is considering throwing open the bidding process.

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Wikki Tourists now have a new chairman in Auwalu Baba Jada. He replaces Sule Chindo. Before now, Baba Jada was the team manager of the Bauchi-based club and his appointment took effect early last month. But Baba Jada has started work in an acting capacity and his performance next season with the club would determine whether he would be confirmed.