Recently ,there was an online publications in one of the media outlets and where it was reported that stakeholders has raised alarm on the spate of sports betting amongst athletes and it’s growing concern and negative consequences .Just within the space of that publication ,it was widely reported through some online channels about the banning of a renowned Nigeria National Team goal keeper on issues arising from gambling ,betting and match fixing .This growing menace of sports gambling and betting amongst our athletes is however posing danger to sports growth and development especially our football hence the concern and action by relevant stakeholders towards addressing it.
The recent concern and call for action by the Nigeria league management body -Nigeria Premier football league ( NPFL) through the Caption : NPFL Cracks down on Betting Ahead of New Season : Offenders Face Expulsion & Heavy Fines ,is a great and proactive step taking from the right direction and very commendable .The Nigeria premier football league ( NPFL ) has fired the first shot with a stern warning extended to players ,Coaches,officials and clubs regarding their involvement in betting activities and reiterated it’s Zero – Tolerance policy on betting in view of it’s dangers ranging from promotion of match-Fixing which affects the integrity of the game thus undermining the principle of fair play which is one of the core values of sports and then the eventual damage to the image of the league by diminishing the confidence of Fans and also driving away investors and sponsors that supports our football .
This is a project that we have to take very serious by supporting the league body in this laudable action which has provided measures such as immediate Expulsion from the league ,monetary fines ,long-term suspensions or life time bans .
It is recommended here that now that the league body has made their position known on the menace and concern of betting ,a holistic view has to be given to the issue for holistic result such as looking beyond the the warning but by delving into some possible root causes motivating gambling / Betting and work with relevant stakeholders towards addressing it .A community based approach that will promote holistic approach and measurable outcomes will help to address the menace and give lasting preventive solutions than dwelling hugely on the punitive .Community based approach will seek to look at the the push and pull factors to the growing menace ranging from vulnerability to offending caused by several mental and emotional struggles and factors , Athletes management concerns ( Action and Inaction ) by managers , management,Environmental pressures ,Athletes reward system & Poor welfare system by clubs ,peer and other mental/ Emotional pressures which may motivate get rich quick syndrome amongst other factors .There might not be justification for gambling and betting by players ,managers ,coaches at anytime but the fact is that sports or football is a human activity and human beings are product of body ,soul and spirit and are propelled socially,emotionally ,mentally ,psychologically and spiritually and that’s the holistic nature of mental health and well-being .Emotions are involved and which affects our mindset .
According to a study published by E.U Athletes in 2016, Professional Athletes/ Footballers are many times more likely to develop a gambling / Betting addiction than non athletes .This is because they operate in environments where isolation is frequent ,intense training programmes as well as frequent travels which presents gambling and betting as means of coping and adaptation to situations and environment and escape from mental and emotional struggles.
I want to commend the efforts of the Nigeria Players Union,National Association of Nigeria professional Footballers ( NANPF) with their ongoing measures to sensitize clubs ,players and management through regular workshop and seminars on issues around some factors that need to be addressed for holistic results and to uplift the image of the game ranging from handling of players contractual agreement ,poor handling of players welfare ,Non consideration to players mental & emotional well being ,strengthening good communication network that encourages dialogue between players ,clubs and managers ( improved human relationship ) and caring for players amongst others .Such commendable move has to be supported as it aligns with the community based intervention ( approach ) to bring to an end gambling and betting amongst players .If we dwell more on punitive without considerations to some root causes ,we might be paving way for more .Clubs should should be encouraged to employ the services of qualified psychotherapist / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) Coach for behaviour observations and modifications with relevant tools for engagement .Players welfare must be constantly prioritize by clubs and remembering that players are the house that lays the golden eggs.Players must be listened to and noting their concerns and also providing counseling aids to them because mindset is likely to shift at any moment .Human minds are wired for options and we should know that where the preferred is not available that the available will become the preferred .
The writer Coach Ebere Amaraizu is a certified trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) Coach and a trainer and Expert on PREVENT Serious and organized Crime ( SOC) policing .He is also a United States Government IVLP Alumni and trained Coach from National Institute for Sports ( NIS) and an International Olympic / Nigeria Olympic solidarity sports Administrator and Manager.Coach Ebere Amaraizu is also the pioneer Chairman of Rangers Intl Fc Foundation and the lead Consultant Cope and live mental health awareness foundation .
