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By Akeem Busari

The 2019 edition of the Clubs Captains Retreat organized by the Nigeria Players Union, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, with the theme “Players and Union State of Affairs, Challenges and Solutions for a New Era for Nigerian Football Players” will hold from 4 – 5 of August 2019 in Akure, Ondo State.

The Retreat, which is an annual forum for all club captains in the NPFL, holds prior to the commencement of the new league season. However, this year’s edition will witness a big increase of participants. As it will include club captains from the NNL, Nigeria Women Pro- league, and zonal reps of clubs in the Nationwide League, plus representatives from the NFF, LMC, NNL, NWPFL, NWL-One, Premier and NNL Clubs Owners Associations, NCA , NRA, FIAN, and States FAs.

According to a press release signed by AGS, Communication of NANPF, Comrade Danladi Musa, the forum in session shall discus  amongst others, issues that bothers on the fundamentals of its establishment and they include the followings;

The importance of setting up the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) and the need for a balanced representation in dispute resolution in accordance with FIFA Regulations of National dimension

The importance of seeking solutions to the major issues in football by all those involved (players, Coaches, Clubs, leagues, Football Intermediaries, States FA’s, Federation, CAF, and FIFA) within legitimate Football Structures, making use of methods of social dialogue such as collective agreements.

The importance of having Professional Footballers in the Professional leagues compulsorily represented by registered football intermediaries.

The importance of seeking for alternative dispute resolution mechanism vis a vis the enforcement of arbitration decisions.

The importance of the involvement of the players’ Union in the consultation process in the Federation and leagues bodies in taking decisions that directly or indirectly impact on Players career and wellbeing in line with global football practice.

The importance of putting the right football structures, particularly at the base of our football pyramid in place that will guarantee sustainable development and growth of our players so that they can become better professionals.

Others such as players Contract, Players Pension Scheme and other forms of social security for players,  players unprofessional attitudes in terms of their obligations and responsibilities, trade restrains, will also be a major focus of the retreat.

The release further revealed that the retreat will also witness the presentation of Awards to 11+1 NPFL league players, voted as the best players in each wing position. And the MVP by their colleagues for the 2018/2019 Premiere  league season under the platform of the Nigeria Players Ball award put together by the players Union.

“We earnestly look forward to a robust discussions that will improve and impact positively on overall development of football in Nigeria during the two days retreat,” the amiable Assistant General Secretary of the union , added enthusiastically.