The 2024/2025 season of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) is nearing its final curtain call. It has been a dramatic and unforgettable campaign, crowned by Remo Stars’ rise to championship glory. The club, based in Ikenne, Ogun State, clinched the title marking a historic moment not just for the club, but for Nigerian football as a whole.
Upon confirmation of their status as champions, Remo Stars were showered with praise and attention from all angles. From Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen sending gifts to the team, to Ogun State Governor, H.E Gov. Dapo Abiodun joining the celebrations, it’s safe to say that Remo Stars are now the envy of other teams across the country.
Their triumph did not only elevate the club, but it shone a bright spotlight on the NPFL. This spotlight translates to *'nothing going unnoticed, not even poorly designed graphic posters...'*
In an attempt to celebrate Remo Stars' achievement, the NPFL released a congratulatory poster on their official social media platforms. But instead of enhancing the league’s image, the poster did the exact opposite. The poorly designed poster was widely mocked online. In no time, what was regarded as a simple Social Media post, garnered about a million views and thousands of reactions on X(formerly Twitter). The moment that should have celebrated progress instead highlighted mediocrity.
This was a below mediocre design, it was a loud reminder of the importance of media and publicity in sports management, and how ignoring it can undo progress in an instant.
In today’s football world, media is everything. From club branding to every other thing you can think of, it has now become indispensable, in not just football, but in all works of life.
The very much embarrassing act of the NPFL, makes one wonder the level of (in the words of Enioluwa) 'Anyhowness' in the country.
While we can agree that the level of football in Nigeria has not quite attained the desired lofty heights, there are lapses we should not have, one of which is having a body that pays zero attention to media and publicly.
How can we compete?
How can we be recognized?
How are we being portrayed?
It may be harsh, but the reality is that something as 'little' as a graphic poster, could do so much harm to the reputation of the NPFL and Nigeria football generally, as this singular act is nothing short of self - destructive, and has on one hand, opened doors for more criticism and checkmating, and on the other hand, potentially closed doors for investment, sponsorship and other benefits accruing to proper media management.
It is evident that a mere media blunder conveys a deeper message and shows that there is a much deeper and institutional problem.
What then happens to us when we fall short of the basics?. Such act is a potential threat to the good work that has been done in the past, and it may just shift the attention and cause a trend for the wrong reasons, demolishing the good image the NPFL may have put itself since the inception of this season.
The onus lies on the NPFL to take this backlash as a wake-up call, make amends, become more professional interact and engage talented Nigerian hands to ultimately portray Nigerian football in the good light.
Image is key! Even in football.