Abia Warriors wide receiver and Team Nigeria star Remilekun Bello has described the Showtime Flag Football League as one of the best things to happen to athletes playing the sport locally, praising the league for creating opportunities around player contracts, better welfare and professional competition.
The back-to-back Showtime champion, speaking as a guest on Sports247 programme Inside Naija Sports, said Showtime has given players a platform to develop, earn recognition and have a greater say in their careers as the league prepares for another highly competitive Season XV.
“Showtime is the best thing that has happened to athletes playing in our local flag football league. It has given us a platform to compete, develop and be recognised for what we do,” Bello said.
He particularly praised the league’s contract system, explaining that players can assess offers from teams and negotiate terms they believe properly reflect their value and welfare.
“As a player, you have a voice. You can tell the team what you believe is good for you in terms of payment and welfare, and both sides can reach an agreement. That is very important for athletes,” he added.
Bello believes that growing professionalism has also improved the motivation of players. “When players know that their welfare is being considered and that there is something meaningful to play for, it gives you extra motivation to perform.”
The Warriors star enters Season XV as one of Showtime’s established players, having won consecutive championships with Abia Warriors before Lagos Knights ended their title reign in the Season XIV final.
Season XV further raises the stakes with a ₦60 million reward commitment, including ₦15 million for the Showtime Bowl champions, ₦6 million for the runners-up, ₦5 million for the Regular Season Champion and ₦4 million for the 5v5 Cup winner.
The eventual Bowl champions will also lift Showtime’s newly designed championship trophy, projected to be worth at least $20,000, and receive championship rings.
For Bello, however, the progress of the league is ultimately reflected in what it is doing for its athletes.
“I have to give credit to the organisers for what they are doing. The league keeps improving, the standard keeps rising, and as players we want to see that development continue.”
With Season XV beginning another long road towards Showtime Bowl XV, Bello believes the competition is ready for another successful campaign and, more importantly, that Showtime is continuing to give Nigerian flag football players a platform on which they can build their careers.
