The Ogun State government says it is determined to return its football club, Gateway FC, back to the Nigerian Premiership League (NPL) from its current National League.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Afolabi Afuape, gave the hint in Abeokuta, the state’s capital, in southwest Nigeria.

He also inspected the ongoing re-grassing of the Moshood Abiola International Stadium from the former AstroTurf to natural grass.

Apologising to the supporters of the club for their inability to make it to the elite stage, Mr Afuape said that the era of political players, which characterised the team was over.

He added that the open screening exercise aimed at selecting best players for the team had commenced.

The Commissioner also unveiled the plans of the State government towards ensuring successful outing for the Ogun State contingent to the forth coming National Sports Festival coming up in November this year.