By Abdul Momoh
Austin festus Osemwenkhae Aka Agada koboko former captain of Rivers United and current team coordinator, believes the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is making progress, but needs stakeholders’ support to accelerate growth. “The league has undergone significant evolution, but still faces challenges,” he said in an interview with the Flash media.
Agada highlights improved structure, transparency, and commercial value, but cites incidents like the Kwara United-Rivers United fracas as setbacks. “Lack of crowd control and inadequate security contributed to the ugly incident,” he notes.
A proud Edo state native, Agada recalls growing up without his father, who passed away when he was young. His mother worked hard to provide for their family of six. Agada’s football career took off with grassroots team Bocas FC, leading to successes with Dolphins and Rivers United, including league titles and a Super Cup win.
Now, Agada advises young players to stay disciplined and plan for life after football. “Many players don’t know there’s life after football,” he says, urging them to invest wisely. He praises Rivers State Government for supporting sports, citing generous welfare packages for athletes.
Agada’s kindness extends beyond football; he gifted a wheel-bound young man at Kwara Stadium, saying, “I believe in giving back to society.” He hopes to establish a foundation to help those in need.