Many are of the opinion that Box 18 is always out to criticize and bash those in Sporting authorities. Though, we all know the sensitivity of Box 18 in the football match, here, we try as much to apply human face to it at times. When, a good job is done, we applaud the fellow, but when an issue is unpopular, we try as much to dissect it, and put it in proper perspective.

This week, Box 18 has no option that to commend the Nigerian Professional Football League for starting the 2024/2025 regular season so well.

In the past 8 seasons, the League has not had it so well. There has never been a time that the League kicked off at the proposed date. But, for the first time in these number of years, the 2024/2025 NPFL season began on the proposed date. There were no hiccups and excuses of the past. All these were thrown over board, and teams returned to business immediately. The advantages of this is very numerous, as it will give room for adequate planning, and aligning the league with what is attained in other climes. Our continental representatives can also be known in time, and they will always have enough time to prepare adequately for their respective continental assignments. They would have nothing to complain about in terms of match fitness for the players, as the teams will be in the regular season before the Commencement of their continental assignments. 

Again, since the League began three weeks ago, the results that have been chunked out, remained unprecedented forcing Box 18 to ask "can this be NPFL".

It started in Matchday 1 where three away wins, three away draws were recorded in ten games played. Then, in the Matchday two, four away draws were recorded, and in the third day matches, the unprecedented happened, there were no home win in all the weekend matches. Out of the six matches played on that day, four away wins and two away draws were recorded. Box 18 was again forced to asked if this is still the NPFL where teams prepare their minds to lose any away match, no matter where it's played. Because, the home team must win. The Nigerian League where the match officials will be afraid to take the right decisions not minding who is involved. The Nigerian League where away teams are humiliated before and after a match and nothing will happen. A Nigerian League where a referee can rule as it suits him and nothing will happen. A Nigerian league where the officials are hand picked for favored teams by those in authority. A Nigerian league that many assumed is for the highest bidder.

Though, some are still of the opinion that what we have seen is what is called "initial garagara" in the local parlance, but Box 18 also believed that a better Friday would be known from Thursday. In igbo land, it is believed that when you commend a warrior from his brilliant exploits, he would be forced to do greater things. The NPFL should be commended for a great job, so far, the Referees should also be commended for interpreting the laws in line with the game, and the football fans should be commended for realizing that teams can win or lose anywhere.

We should realized that the Nigeria Professional Football League is the highest level of league football in country, and should be supported in moving it forward. We  should do everything possible to grow it.

Poor stadium facilities which have been a recurring issue, with many clubs been unable to maintain quality pitches and spectator amenities.

More attention should paid on the security and fan control issues that have plagued the league, with some clubs being penalized due to fan violence.

Although the NPFL has secured sponsors, the league's global visibility has been limited by inconsistent media coverage and broadcast deals.

As the NPFL continues to be the cornerstone of Nigerian football, producing talent for the national team and clubs abroad, efforts to should be intensified to enhance the league’s international appeal, professionalism, and infrastructure.

The NPFL is gradually growing from a modest national competition into a professional league with continental ambitions. It is good to inform Elegbeleye and his group that the league can get better