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GTI’s Strategic Impact On NPFL

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has long been a cornerstone of the country’s sports culture that produced great players that took the global soccer ecosystem by storm.

However, shortly after the 2021/2022 NPFL season, things began to fall apart as the fortunes of the elite league began to nosedive and was near a state of comatose.

Plagued by numerous challenges that hindered its growth and development, it was evident that the business aspect of the management of the elite league was grossly overlooked and this necessitated the intervention of GTI Asset Management & Trust Ltd for a rescue mission.

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As a kicker, aside from the aforementioned, the NPFL suffered a trust deficit from would-be sponsors that severely impacted its operations. There was a total lack of confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and even the players themselves. This led to a significant decline in sponsorships, as companies were hesitant to associate their brands with a league that was perceived as poorly managed.

One of the most glaring issues was the mismanagement of the league’s assets. Elite league football clubs which should have been thriving, were instead struggling due to depreciating assets and a lack of proper funding. Match officials were often left without adequate remuneration, leading to discontent and a lack of motivation. This, in turn, affected the quality of the matches and the overall competitiveness of the league.

The NPFL also suffered from a lack of visibility. Despite the passion for football in Nigeria, the league failed to capture the attention of the public. There were no broadcast partners to the NPFL, and the few broadcasts from local broadcast stations often lacked the quality expected by viewers. The disjointed management of teams, coaches, and the league itself further exacerbated these issues, leading to disharmony and a lack of cohesion.

Amidst this challenging scenario, GTI Asset Management & Trust Ltd took a bold step towards revitalizing the NPFL.

On March 22, 2022, GTI officially unveiled The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF), a mutual fund designed to serve as a financial backbone for the league. This strategic move marked the beginning of a new era for the NPFL, where financial stability and sustainable growth became achievable goals.

The TNFF was not just a financial tool; it was a statement of intent from GTI. By creating a dedicated fund for football, GTI demonstrated its commitment to energizing the league and providing a platform for football lovers to invest in the future of Nigerian football. This initiative was instrumental in restoring trust within the football ecosystem, as it provided a transparent and accountable framework for managing the league’s finances.

GTI’s involvement in the NPFL has gone beyond financial contributions. The firm has played a pivotal role in harmonizing the football ecosystem and making it more attractive to sponsors. By addressing the trust deficit and ensuring proper management of the league’s assets, GTI has laid the groundwork for increased sponsorship opportunities.

One of the most significant developments under GTI’s stewardship has been the enhancement of the NPFL’s brand visibility. The partnership with Propel Sports Africa has enabled easy live streaming of NPFL matches on the OTT platform, making it more accessible to football fans both within and outside Nigeria.

Additionally, the NPFL partnership with StarTimes has ensured that live television broadcasts of NPFL matches are now a regular feature, further boosting the league’s profile on DTT and DTH platforms.

Finally, GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited’s strategic intervention in the NPFL has been nothing short of transformative. By addressing the deep-seated issues that plagued the league, GTI has not only restored trust in the football ecosystem but has also created a sustainable platform for growth.

The unveiling of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) marked the beginning of a new chapter for the NPFL, one where financial stability, sponsorship, and visibility are no longer distant dreams but achievable realities.

As GTI continues its journey with the NPFL, the future of Nigerian football looks brighter than ever. With a solid foundation in place, the elite league is poised to reclaim its rightful place as a profitable and viable asset, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

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The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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