by Azubuike Jideaka
Sport plays a significant role in society. It keeps people active, healthier, both physically and mentally, and develops skills and confidence. For many, sports gives them a sense of belonging and achievement, a feeling of winning or losing together which is why the Coronavirus pandemic that hit the world in late March and brought it to its knees not least the sports industry and everything connected to it has affected everyone in more ways than none. Football has suffered a great deal being the world’s number one game after a two month lockdown was imposed on every football activity which has had a domino effect on many clubs and their staffs – some have being laid off in the process while others have had their income slashed. The television companies have been counting their losses this period and even sponsors for teams and leagues are not left out as business hasn’t quite gone as usual. The grassroot has been the worst hit in all the sub sectors, as its very survival is dependent on a day to day basis, activities like with regional leagues, other competitions etc. The covid-19 pandemic has caused a number of grassroots clubs around the world to fold as these sides haven’t been able to meet up financially due to non-activity and many more might still join in which begs the question: How will football cope when it fully returns especially with regards funding?
The 5stars Premier League which is at the hub of affairs with regards 5-aside competitions in the FCT have also seen the effect of the worldwide phenomenon as the league was originally scheduled to have kicked off this month but have had some of their plans either pushed forward or scrapped altogether. This 2020 league season was originally given an expansive mandate with participation of more teams as well as visibility having secured the patronage of Senator Ned Nwoko and Nigerian Legend and Sports Ambasssador Daniel Amokachi in the space of five months – a much needed catalyst in a drive to securing more sponsors for the grassroots competition. All that has had to be re-evaluated with certain considerations put in place to ensure prospective sponsors are not put off by “pre-covid 19” incentives admist the recovery. Also there in a conscious effort by the organizers to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the fans are in accordance with the best health practices. In previous years of the competition, it was mostly played by teams exclusively from the Capital without the involvement of sides from other areas in the FCT due to financial constraints and visibility which itself comes with the territory of low fan turnout and patronage. Despite these previous hindrances, the 2019 season showed signs of promise and a bright future for 5-aside/futsal in the city. 12 teams competed with 6 sides divided into two groups and playing each other once to determine the top 4 sides to qualify for the next rounds of matches. The league began on the 20th of July and ended on October 5th 2019.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Super Eagles duo Ahmed Musa and his sidekick Shehu Abdullahi with the former promising cash prizes for the winners of the league and MVP which upped the overall cash prizes and effectively making the league a lot more competitive. The press for the league began to grow and with reports of the league’s activities often found in a few media outlets. Despite faced with issues bordering logistics and organization, the league carried on for the stipulated three months laced with great matches and individual performances all culminating in a grand finale attended by some notable personalities in the city. Former English international John Fashanu, daughter of the Vice-President of Nigeria Kiki Osibanjo and special guest of honour Prince Ned Nwoko and his lovely wife Regina Daniel Nwoko were all in attendance to add glitz and glamour to the closing ceremony. FC Hearts, a formidable academy side in the FCT beat Church side Trinity Boyz 3-1 in the final in a quite colourful climax to the competition. On seeing the activities of the day and matches played, Prince Ned Nwoko took it upon himself to sponsor the competition thereafter to the joy of the organizers which raised the profile of the league. That stride lead to a meeting with former Nigerian great Daniel Amokachi earlier this year at his office in Abuja, where a brand ambassadorial role was agreed and signed by “Da Bull” who also happens to be a CAF Futsal Ambassador. These steps has given hope for the laying of a strong foundation and base for futsal football in the FCT and in the country at large.
In a time when organizing a professional and amateur football league is becoming difficult for the football authorities in the country, perhaps 5-aside/futsal football which is less cost intensive and easier to organize might bail the cat for Nigerian football in some respects going forward especially with regards churning out talents from the grassroots via scouting. The 5stars Premier League however have taken a cue from the Bundesliga and other top leagues in the world by having a provisional kick off date for the league in August – this is dependant on the corona virus situation and the FCT FA’s permission – with a defined system that aims to project Nigerian grassroots competition in a positive light, draw revenue to it, as well as uncover talents that could be of benefit for Nigerian and foreign clubs and the nation at large.
by Azubuike Jideaka