The Technical Adviser of Gombe United, Coach Aliyu Zubairu, has blamed the constant relegation of northern clubs taking part in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on poor funding by state governments.
Speaking to Daily Trust on why clubs in the north struggle to stay long in the NPFL, the gaffer said that unlike their counterparts in the south who are well funded by their governments, clubs in the north are made to endure so many financial challenges.
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“Most clubs in the north are good but they constantly struggle against relegation because of poor funding. Clubs in the south travel by air. Like MFM came by air to play us in Gombe. When Remo were coming to play with Wikki Tourists, they did the same thing. It was the same when they came to play Kano Pillars in Kaduna.
“These are some of the privileges northern clubs don’t have. Maybe it is due to lack of exposure, I don’t really know. That is what has been affecting northern clubs.
“At the start of the season, northern clubs do well but before the end of the season, they struggle and most are relegated,” he lamented.
Zubairu, therefore, called on northern state governors to change their attitude towards the clubs so that the north will be well represented in the NPFL.
It will be recalled that in recent years, El-Kanemi Warriors, Jigawa Golden Stars, Adamawa United, Taraba United have been relegated to the lower division.
Even Gombe United and Wikki Tourists which are presently campaigning in the topflight have had their share of relegation
