Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has outlined a roadmap for the 2026/27 season, with a strong focus on commercial growth, improved broadcasting, infrastructure upgrades and preserving the integrity of the league.
Speaking at the 2025/26 NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Ibadan on Friday, Elegbeleye described the just-concluded season as a significant test that demonstrated what could be achieved through collective effort.
He noted that the campaign, which ended on May 24, showcased the league’s competitiveness, with the title race going down to the final day, while acknowledging that there is still room for improvement.
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He explained that the league has since secured a new partnership with a direct-to-home television platform to expand access to NPFL matches across Nigeria.
“The 2025/26 season gave us great insight into what we can achieve when we work together. It was not perfect, but we witnessed improvements in organisation, security and fan engagement across our match venues,” Elegbeleye said.
“Our priority is to make the league more popular before focusing on commercial returns. Wider television coverage will attract greater interest from fans and sponsors,” he said.
Elegbeleye added that the league is working to improve its television product through enhanced live match production, highlights, behind-the-scenes content and increased digital and social media engagement.
The NPFL chairman identified financial sustainability as one of the biggest challenges facing clubs, urging them to move away from overdependence on government funding by embracing proper branding, private investment and stronger commercial models.
He also stressed the need for clubs to meet minimum infrastructure standards, including quality playing surfaces, adequate seating, medical facilities and youth development structures.
“Fans and sponsors deserve a product that looks and feels professional,” he stated.
Also, Elegbeleye reaffirmed the league’s zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, intimidation of match officials and other forms of misconduct.
He noted that the NPFL has already imposed sanctions ranging from points deductions to financial penalties on offending clubs and officials, adding that stronger measures would now be introduced to combat match-fixing and betting-related offences.
“We will not tolerate match manipulation or any act that brings the league into disrepute. Clubs must play to win. The best team should always win on merit.
“Football belongs to the fans, and together we can continue to build a league that every Nigerian will be proud of,” he added.
Meanwhile, Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sports development as it hosted the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mrs. Wasilat Adegoke, welcomed delegates from across the country to the Pace Setter State just as she described football as a powerful tool for national unity, youth empowerment, economic development and national pride, stressing that the commitment of stakeholders has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s football ecosystem.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Pace Setter State for the Nigeria Premier Football League Annual General Meeting. On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I extend our warmest greetings and best wishes for a successful and productive gathering,” she said.
The commissioner noted that Oyo State remains committed to promoting sports development by providing an environment where athletes, clubs and sporting organisations can flourish.
“Oyo State is proud to host this important meeting, and we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive. We believe that the resolutions reached here will further advance the growth, professionalism and global competitiveness of the NPFL,” Adegoke stated.
Also, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for aligning the league calendar with major football leagues around the world, describing the development as a major milestone for Nigerian football.
Representing NFF President Ibrahim Gusau at the 2025/26 NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Silas Agara praised the NPFL Board for successfully synchronising the league schedule with the international football calendar.
Agara noted that the new season’s kickoff in August places the NPFL alongside leading leagues such as the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga and other top competitions across the world.
“I want to congratulate the NPFL Board for synchronising the league calendar. It is something we have all been working towards, and it is encouraging that our league will now begin in August alongside other top leagues around the world,” he said.
