The Nigerian football scene finds itself embroiled in controversy as the prestigious Eunisell Golden Boot Award ceremony, scheduled to honor the top scorer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), faces an uncertain future. At the heart of the dispute lies a clash between the NPFL and the award organizers, Eunisell, over the alleged unauthorized use of the league’s brand. Anas Yusuf, the Nasarawa United striker who emerged as the highest goalscorer of the 2024/25 season with an impressive 18 goals, finds himself caught in the crossfire, unable to attend the ceremony and potentially forfeiting his N3.6 million reward. The conflict highlights the underlying tensions and challenges facing the NPFL as it seeks to attract sponsors and enhance its public image.
The NPFL, under the leadership of chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, has issued a stern warning to Eunisell, accusing them of illegally using the league’s name and brand without proper authorization or partnership. In a letter addressed to the organizers, Elegbeleye characterized the award as “illegal” and threatened to report the company to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission if they fail to cease their activities. This strong stance has forced Yusuf to withdraw from the award ceremony in compliance with the league’s directive, leaving the event itself in jeopardy. While the NPFL insists on initiating discussions to rectify the situation, the future of the Eunisell Golden Boot Award hangs precariously in the balance.
Eunisell, a seasoned supporter of Nigerian football, has expressed deep disappointment at the NPFL’s actions. Ojeikere Aikhoje, organizer of both the Eunisell Boot and the League Bloggers Award, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to the league, highlighting their decade-long uninterrupted support, particularly at a time when other brands have withdrawn their backing. Aikhoje expressed pride in the impact Eunisell has had on the NPFL and questioned the timing of the league’s sudden objection, especially considering the award’s inception in 2018. The controversy raises concerns about the NPFL’s ability to nurture and maintain relationships with vital sponsors, particularly in a climate where attracting and retaining such partnerships is crucial for the league’s growth and stability.
The NPFL’s stance has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, with many observers accusing the league of undermining a valuable initiative that promotes and rewards excellence within the league. Ralph George, a prominent NPFL commentator, argued that the Eunisell Boot Award should be encouraged, not condemned, as it incentivizes players to perform at their best and contributes to the overall development of the league. George’s sentiment resonates with the view that such initiatives are essential for elevating the profile of the NPFL and attracting greater interest from fans and potential sponsors alike. The league’s decision to confront Eunisell, a recognized and reputable brand, is seen as a counterproductive move that could further damage the NPFL’s image and discourage future sponsorships.
Sports journalist Rasaq Oboirien echoed this criticism, slamming the league organizers for their handling of the situation. Oboirien questioned the competence of those running the NPFL, accusing them of lacking the necessary understanding and vision to advance the league’s interests. Referring to Eunisell as an “ISO certified reputable company,” Oboirien emphasized the absurdity of labeling such an organization as “unscrupulous.” This sharp rebuke highlights the growing discontent with the NPFL’s management and their perceived inability to foster positive relationships with key stakeholders. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the leadership and direction of the league, raising concerns about its ability to attract investment and improve its competitive standing.
The Eunisell Golden Boot Award controversy underscores the deeper challenges plaguing the NPFL. Beyond the immediate dispute over branding rights lies a more fundamental concern regarding the league’s ability to attract and retain sponsors, cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders, and project a positive image. The incident reveals a lack of strategic foresight and an inability to recognize the value of initiatives like the Eunisell Boot Award in promoting the league and incentivizing players. This shortsightedness could have long-term ramifications for the NPFL, potentially hindering its growth and development. The controversy serves as a wake-up call for the league’s leadership to reassess its approach and prioritize building strong partnerships to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerian football.
