Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has revealed that the NPFL U17 project, which was started by the board last season is targeted at growing the financial base of the NPFL clubs.
Hon. Elegbeleye disclosed that the U17 project will give room for progression and integration of young talents into the senior teams in the league.
According to him, the project will pave the way for serious clubs to generate funds through the transfer of players which would boost the financial base of the clubs.
He added that plans are underway for the U17 All-Star team to embark on a tour to Spain to expand the opportunities of the players and give them the choice to experience the best of youth development programs.
His words: “The intended dual effects of the U17 project is to get all the clubs in the NPFL to embrace youth development through feeder team and later graduate to the main team.
“This will give room for progression and integration of young talents to the senior team and the Premier League will be better for it.
“The overall plan for the U17 All-Star team is to expand the opportunities of the players to better training under different technical officials and give them the choice of experiencing global standards, the European leagues are interested in young talents.
“The long-term intention is to grow the financial base of the various Premier League clubs. If for instance, a player can attract a transfer market value of about 500,000 Euros, that is about 800 million Naira.
“A serious club administrator can use such money to prosecute two league seasons. We will always publicize any player who is successful in getting a professional contract so that the governments who own the clubs will be aware.
“Imagine a club getting two of such players every other year, it will not require government financial support anymore. Clubs are supposed to generate money for the government and not the current absurd narrative.
“It’s on record that Spain has the best youth development program. The likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and co grew through Spanish football academies. Another shining example is the current world sensation, Lamine Yamal.
“Sevilla is absolutely one of the best in youth programs both in Spain and the entire Europe.”
