Obi warns Nigeria is wasting youth potential as NPFL crowds remain low

Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the poor attendance at Nigerian Premier Football League matches, saying the country is failing to make proper use of its considerable sporting talent.

Obi was speaking after watching Ikorodu City defeat reigning champions Enugu Rangers 2-0 in a Matchday Six fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

He attended the match alongside Ikorodu City President Sanmi Doherty and highlighted the small crowd inside the stadium. The venue has a capacity of about 10,000, but fewer than 2,000 spectators were present for the game.

Obi said the turnout reflected wider concerns about the development and public engagement of domestic football in Nigeria.

“It pained me to see how poorly we are developing sports in Nigeria. A stadium with a capacity of about 10,000 had fewer than 2,000 spectators,” he said.

The former presidential candidate argued that Nigeria had abundant athletic ability but lacked the planning, commitment and facilities needed to convert that potential into long-term opportunities for young people.

“Nigeria has no shortage of sporting talent. What we lack is the vision and commitment to turn that talent into opportunities for our young people,” Obi added.

He said sport should be viewed as more than a form of entertainment, pointing to its possible contribution to employment, youth development and wider social progress.

“Sport is not merely entertainment; properly developed, it can be a powerful tool for youth development, employment, and social transformation,” he said.