5 things the NPFL can learn from #TPL

The Twitter Premier League has become the toast of football lovers in Lagos since its inception in May, 2014

The tournament that seeks to tap into the football loving passion Nigerians show on social media has grown in brand and popularity among youths in Lagos.

Though there are both on different levels, the still rising Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has a lot to learn from the TPL that has become an instant hit.

These are five things the League Management Company, organisers of the NPFL should learn from the TPL.

1. Packaging

The TPL is well package by the organisers.  Each team is sponsored and backed by a brand. Everything about the TPL is well put together unlike the NPFL. The teams have several photo shoots, well run social media accounts, live stream of matches and the presentation of the whole tournament dwarfs what we see from the NPFL.

We still don't get photos from NPFL games, no Youtube highlights from games, no video interview. We just get the scores and that's it.

2 Involve the youths

The TPL has thrived because it is run by youths who are in tune with the latest trends and technology. Everything from the TPL is backed by the youth. From the organisers to the audience, the TPL has been accepted because it was made for the youths.  The LMC should engage the youth more with the NPFL. These are the people who have the time and money to spend on watching games. The NPFL right now is very distant from the youth, that is why it is yet to become the go to place for Nigerian football lovers. Youths should be brought in to the LMC for more innovative and trendy ways to do make the league better.

3 Spectator friendly

One thing the TPL organisers have been able to do is make the venue friendly and relaxed for spectators to enjoy the game. The reports of violence in NPFL venues have done more harm than good to the league. Once you enter the TPL venue, you get the sense that you are there to catch fun. The food, music, side attractions, these are things the NPFL should incorporate to make it more fun.

4 Social media

The LMC have done a good job with the NPFL on social media but they have to do more. TPL is a hit on social media because they are engaging and entertaining on social media. All TPL teams are active on social network, constantly updating fans on trainings, matches and other reports. The LMC should encourage NPFL teams to be more active on Twitter, Facebook and other platforms to make the league more attractive.

5 Celebrity driven

The TPL organisers have done a good job of bringing in celebrities to endorse the tournament. The LMC should seek the help of celebrities who are huge influencers to endorse the league and bring more awareness to it.