Emmanuel Osahon, proprietor of Robo Queens, has criticized the lack of visibility surrounding Nigeria’s domestic football league, arguing that it hindered player recognition, as seen in Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s snub for the CAF Player of the Year award.
In an exclusive interview, Osahon emphasized that the poor projection of the league has impacted the global recognition of Nigerian players.
He insisted that more needs to be done to elevate the league through better media coverage, government support, and accessible broadcasting.
“In a simple word, the projection or the publicity is not enough. It’s not enough. Our league is not well projected,” Osahon declared.
“How can we leave it? Our league is not well projected. And how can we project the league? A lot of things are not in place. At this point in time, like every other country, the federal government needs to do something to elevate our league.”
Osahon also raised questions about Nigeria’s status as the “Giants of Africa,” pointing out the contradiction between the country’s football reputation and its failure to secure individual player awards.
“Why are we Giants of Africa when we can’t win an upcoming player award? What are we gianting? So, the domestic league needs to do more,” he said.
The Robo Queens owner highlighted the stark contrast between the visibility of Nigerian football and that of other countries, particularly in African women’s football.
He pointed out that millions of Nigerians have access to football from other nations but struggle to watch their own domestic league.
“Do you know how many Nigerians, over 30 million Nigerians, have a medium to watch other countries’ football, including female football, most especially African female football?” Osahon said.
“And there is no access, except with Streamlife, to watch Nigerian league football.”
He also criticized the limited quality and access to streaming services for Nigerian football, claiming that fans often encounter poor viewing experiences.
“So, what are we talking about? And in some states here, you say you want to Streamlife, the match comes with telling you it’s rubbish,” he added.
Osahon underscored that the lack of exposure for Nigerian football ultimately affects the recognition of its players on the international stage.
“This happened because it is not Nigerians alone that will vote. A lot of people will vote. People that have not seen your ordinary highlights, that have not seen you play, that have not seen your country league, or whatever, whatever, that have not heard about your club, maybe only when they come for Champions League, that have not heard them four years ago. So, how will they vote for you?” he concluded.
Osahon’s comments shed light on the pressing need for more investment and attention to Nigeria’s domestic league to ensure players receive the recognition they deserve.
