NANPF appoints Kalu Chijioke as director of players’ safety, security

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF), as part of a move to improve players’ welfare, has announced Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Kalu Chijioke as the Director of Players’ Safety and Security.

NANPF, headed by former Nigerian international, Abe Sunday, is an affiliate of both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and represents the collective interests and welfare of professional footballers across Nigeria.

Sporting Tribune reports that the appointment was formally communicated to the Force Sports Officer, CP Tony O. Emefiele, through an official letter signed by the NANPF leadership and addressed to the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

In the appointment letter, the Union expressed confidence in CSP Chijioke’s extensive experience in sports administration and his longstanding commitment to the well-being of Nigerian athletes.

According to NANPF, his leadership will ensure the implementation of critical safety and security policies that safeguard players both on and off the pitch.

“CSP Kalu’s unconfined passion and professional track record make him the ideal candidate for this role. His involvement will empower the Union and, by extension, all Nigerian professional footballers to benefit from expert safety and security guidance as they carry out their daily activities,” the letter read in part.

The Union also called for the full support and cooperation of relevant law enforcement and sports bodies to ensure CSP Chijioke functions effectively in his new role.

Chijioke, a member of the NPF Sports Planning Committee, also serves on the board of the Mixed Martial Arts Federation and is a member of the NOC Technical and Development Committee is expected to bring his 20 years of law enforcement experience to bear in opening a new chapter for players’ welfare and safety in Nigeria.

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