President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s senior adviser on media and public communication, Chief Sunday Dare has expressed satisfaction with the presence of four private-owned clubs in this year’s play-off competition of the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL).
Sports247 reports that Dare declared this after watching the first two matches of the 2026 NNL Super-4 at Remo Stars Stadium, adding that his vision of privatisation in Nigerian football is now coming to pass.
The former minister of sports added that he had a three-year strategy for improved private investments to emerge in Nigerian football and enthused that ownership of clubs by state governments will soon be a thing of the past in the country.
While rating the standard of this year’s Super-4 very high, Dare further disclosed, “It’s not the first time I’m watching NNL matches; but I think it’s different this year.
“I’ve seen an improvement in the organisation and quality of games. I am also happy that we are now seeing private clubs excel in our leagues.
“In the last three, four years, we have seen some growth in the NNL. So, I say kudos to NNL’s leadership, to the clubs and to the referees.”
Sports247 reports further that Dare spoke regarding the historic feat of four private clubs gaining promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) in one single season.
The promotion slots acquired by Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United of Gombe and Ranchers Bees of Kaduna could bring the number of private-owned clubs in the NPFL to eight next season.
Although Kun Khalifat of Owerri are currently battling against relegation from the NPFL, they might still stay up in the top-flight alongside Barau FC, Ikorodu City and last season’s champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne.
