Super Eagles experienced defender Kenneth Omeruo has expressed his desire to manage the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) when he eventually hangs up his boots.
The Turkey-based defender, who has represented Nigeria in various international tournaments, was recently quizzed on whether he would return to the NPFL to finish his playing career.
However, Omeruo stated that while returning to play in the league isn’t on his radar, he would love to contribute in a managerial capacity.
In an exclusive interview with Scorenigeria, Omeruo revealed that his hometown, Abuja, does not have a club in the NPFL, and that would not make a return to Nigeria to play feasible.
“On coming back, I don’t know; the city I come from, Abuja, they don’t have any club in the NPFL,” Omeruo stated. He added, “I can’t go back to Akure to play; not because I can’t stay there, but it’s just that I can’t. I can’t see myself going back to the Nigerian league to play.”
Instead, Omeruo has set his sights on a future where he takes on a pivotal role in improving the NPFL.
“I am someone who likes scouting, I like good players. I know the quality we have, it’s too much quality,” he said. The defender emphasized the need for more investment and better management of the league to unlock its full potential.
Omeruo believes the Nigerian league has the talent to rival some of the world’s best, urging for a more aggressive approach to player development and commercialization.
“After football, what I would want to do is to manage the Nigerian league.”
Omeruo there is a need to add more value to the NPFL. I know it’s not easy, but we should be selling players like the Brazilians, not for meagre funds,” he asserted.
In Omeruo’s view, the NPFL has the capacity to sell players for as much as €1 million or €20 million, given the immense talent present.
“I think we have the quality to sell players for 1 million Euros, 20 million Euros, because of the quality and talent. I think the league organizers should do more about making the league more visible, on TV, to create more awareness,” he added.
However, he called on league organizers to enhance the league’s visibility, particularly on television, to generate greater awareness and attract potential investors.
