Abia Warriors wide receiver and Team Nigeria flag football player Remilekun Bello has described the Showtime Flag Football League as a major development for athletes competing in the sport in Nigeria.
Bello, a back-to-back Showtime champion with Abia Warriors, said the league has created greater opportunities for players through professional contracts, improved welfare and a more competitive environment.
“Showtime is the best thing that has happened to athletes playing in our local flag football league. It has given us a platform to compete, develop and be recognised for what we do,” Bello said.
The Abia Warriors star particularly praised the league’s contract system, noting that it gives players a stronger voice when negotiating issues relating to their earnings and welfare.
“As a player, you have a voice. You can tell the team what you believe is good for you in terms of payment and welfare, and both sides can reach an agreement. That is very important for athletes,” he added.
Bello believes the improved welfare package has also provided players with greater motivation to perform at their best.
“When players know that their welfare is being considered and that there is something meaningful to play for, it gives you extra motivation to perform,” he said.
The wide receiver enters Season XV as one of the established figures in the competition, having helped Abia Warriors win consecutive championships before Lagos Knights ended their reign with victory in the Season XIV final.
The new season has also raised the stakes, with a ₦60m reward commitment across the competition. The Showtime Bowl champions are set to receive ₦15m, while the runners-up will earn ₦6m. The regular-season champions will receive ₦5m, with another ₦4m reserved for the 5v5 Cup winner.
Bello also praised the organisers for the steady development of the competition, saying the rising standards are creating a stronger platform for athletes.
“I have to give credit to the organisers for what they are doing. The league keeps improving, the standard keeps rising, and as players we want to see that development continue,” he said.
With Season XV now underway, Bello will be hoping to help Abia Warriors reclaim the title while continuing his development as a member of Team Nigeria’s flag football setup.
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