Mr Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Club Owners, has said the 2016/2017 league would commence in the first week of December.

Chukwuemeka made the disclosure at an interactive session with the Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun Chapter in Osogbo on Thursday.

He said the NPFL Club Owners had received a proposal from the League Management Company (LMC) that the league would start by first week of December.

Chukwuemeka said the proposal for the new league date would be considered at the Annual General Meeting of the Club Owners.

The secretary, who is also the General Manager, Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC of Ilorin, commended the LMC for turning the league around.

He said the competition was now attractive with many firms lobbying to be part of it.

“The LMC has turned around the league in Nigeria.

“The league is now attractive and there are about eight firms lobbying to be part of the league.

“The LMC has set a standard and that is why many firms want to be part of the NPFL.” Chukwuemeka said.

On the way forward for sports development in the country, he said that developing sports at the grassroots through schools’ inter-house sports was the only way to fish out exceptional talents.

On the Nov. 12 2018 World Cup qualifier between Super Eagles and Fennecs of Algeria, Chukwuemeka said he was optimistic that the Super Eagles would win. (NAN)