In what may prove to be a turning point for the future of Nigerian club football, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Club Owners’ Forum, in collaboration with League Management, held a decisive meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Hotel De Bentley in Abuja. The agenda was ambitious but clear: assess the present, honor the past season, and chart a bold course for the future.
Far from a routine gathering, the Abuja meeting delivered a resounding message—Nigerian football is ready to evolve.
A Unified Front: Votes of Confidence and Commendations
A standout moment was the unanimous vote of confidence in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. The Forum praised the NFF’s strategic efforts to grow football across all levels and maintain credibility in a challenging landscape.
Also receiving high praise were Chief Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the League Board, and Prince Davidson Owumi, the League’s Chief Operating Officer. Their commitment to structure, professionalism, and results-oriented leadership was noted as vital to the NPFL’s recent strides.
The leadership of the NPFL Club Owners’ Forum, headed by Chief (Dr.) Okey Kpalukwu was likewise applauded for fostering unity and strong inter-club relations, helping to stabilize and project a coherent vision for Nigerian football.
Celebrating Progress: 2024/2025 NPFL Season Earns High Praise
Reviewing the just-concluded 2024/2025 NPFL season, the Forum unanimously described it as one of the best-organized in recent history. Clubs adhered strictly to fixture schedules, matchday logistics improved significantly, and fan engagement rose steadily across multiple centers.
“It was a season where structure met ambition,” one club chairman remarked. “We now have a benchmark to beat.”
Policy Reforms and Welfare Milestones
Among the most impactful developments from the Abuja meeting were amendments to the NPFL Framework and Rules. These reforms directly target two long-standing issues:
• Enhanced life and injury insurance for players and officials—a long overdue move aimed at safeguarding those who make the league possible.
• Upgraded post-match media protocols, designed to boost the league’s public image and improve the quality of coverage and accountability.
Both changes mark a clear step toward professionalizing the league to meet international standards.
Saluting Champions and Preparing for Africa
The Forum congratulated Remo Stars FC, champions of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, on their historic title win. Rivers United and Abia Warriors were also celebrated for securing Nigeria’s spots in the CAF Interclub competitions.
In the same breath, the meeting urged immediate preparations for these continental assignments to ensure Nigerian clubs perform and represent with pride, not just participate.
From London to Lagos: National Pride and Global Aspirations
The Super Eagles’ recent triumph at the Unity Cup Tournament in London was acknowledged as a morale booster for the nation’s football ecosystem. It reflected the growing competitiveness of Nigerian football on the international stage and underscored the need for domestic leagues to maintain upward momentum.
But success also requires sustainability. The Forum encouraged club owners to embrace diversified revenue streams such as sponsorships, merchandising, and improved media rights management, especially amid Nigeria’s current economic constraints.
2025/2026 Season: Looking Forward with Purpose
The proposed calendar for the 2025/2026 NPFL season was welcomed, with an emphasis on early preparations and cooperation among stakeholders. Equally prioritized was matchday security, with State Football Associations reminded of their vital role in ensuring a safe and fan-friendly environment.
Importantly, the Forum reiterated the need for discipline, fairness, and innovation to remain at the heart of league operations.
Final Words: A Renewed Mission
As the curtains fell on the meeting, one theme rang louder than any other collective responsibility. From private club owners to state-funded teams, from league administrators to grassroots mobilizers, all were urged to work in unison toward a vibrant, profitable, and globally respected NPFL.
In a league that has often struggled with inconsistency, the Abuja meeting offered a rare and refreshing glimpse of consensus, the kind that could lay the foundation for lasting transformation in Nigerian club football.
