IMC breaks down ₦100m prize money benefits for Enyimba after winning NPFL title

By Wale Mustapha

The Interim Management Committee, (IMC) has explained what Enyimba will benefit as part of prize money received for winning the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL) title.

Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye who is the chairman of the Committee gave the breakdown on Monday during a meeting with the NPFL Club Owners with Enyimba chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu in attendance.

Elegbeleye explained that the prize money which would be credited to the club’s bank account within the week has been tied to strengthening the club to compete favourably on the continent and meet infrastructural conditions set by Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) for hosting the CAF Champions League.

The IMC boss who congratulated the People’s Elephant for winning the Nigerian title at the end of the championship playoffs, said: “it has to be stated that in line with the developmental trajectories of the IMC and our investment partners, GTI, there is a portion of the money tied to certain projects.

“Of the ₦100m, the club must spend a minimum of ₦25m on quality players recruitment to strengthen their squad and be able to represent the country well in the CAF Champions League next season.

“We have seen how deep the squads of clubs from the north African countries are, they recruit some of the best in their country and outside hence their strong showing on the continent. It is the reason we have ensured that a reasonable amount is provided as prize money.”

The former Director General of National Sports Commission noted that the league body is intent on getting clubs upgrade their facilities to, in the long run, meet requirements for hosting the CAF Champions League.

“Another ₦25m of the prize money must be spent by the club on upgrading of facilities in the stadium identified to fall short of acceptable standards while the remaining ₦50m is at the disposal of the Club to spend as it considers appropriate,” Elegbeleye further disclosed.

“It is not that the IMC will have anything to do with the actual spending nor determine for the club who executes the project but simply stating the guidelines on the allocation of portions of the prize money.

“Obviously, there is a need to have an inclusive financial reward system to also have clubs benefit based on their positions on the log at the end of the season to also support them in players recruitment and facility upgrade.”

Enyimba edged Remo Stars and Rivers United to a record ninth Nigerian league title on goals difference after all three were tied on nine points at the completion of games of the NPFL Championship Play-off in Lagos on Sunday.