On The State Of NIGERIA Football
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has made it clear that the era of business-as-usual in Nigerian football is over. In a recent chat with the media, he spoke candidly about the state of the league, the bold reforms being rolled out under his leadership, and his resolve to build a professional football ecosystem that adheres to international standards. From the compulsory use of modern technology by referees to the introduction of strict licensing rules for clubs, from sanctions against unruly teams to a strong stance on organizational transparency, Elegbeleye laid bare the urgent need to reposition Nigeria’s topflight football.
According to the NPFL chairman, referees officiating in the league must now adopt electronic communication devices during matches, a move he described as necessary for credibility and alignment with global best practices. The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, he disclosed, has already provided the gadgets, and no referee will be allowed to function without using them.
“Every referee must use the communication gadget. This is not optional,” Elegbeleye said firmly. “These tools have been provided by the NFF to improve coordination and reduce errors on the pitch. If a referee cannot operate a basic communication device, then such a person should not be officiating in the NPFL. This is a professional league, and we must begin to do things professionally.”
He stressed further that it was unacceptable for referees in 2025 to lack basic computer literacy or the ability to use simple electronic equipment. “If you’re not computer literate, you have no business officiating at this level. Football has gone digital across the world. Why should Nigeria be an exception?”
But it’s not just about referees. Elegbeleye also addressed growing concerns about discipline and misconduct within the league, especially acts of violence from fans and teams. The NPFL, under his watch, has implemented a policy of deducting three points from any club whose supporters attack referees or disrupt matches.
“We’ve been very clear about this. Any club whose fans assault match officials or cause havoc during a game will automatically lose three points. We are no longer going to tolerate thuggery at league venues. It’s a disgrace, and we are done making excuses for it. Football should unite, not destroy,” he declared.
Already, the hammer has fallen on clubs like Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, and Sunshine Stars, teams that were sanctioned during the last season for various breaches of conduct. These sanctions, according to the chairman, are not designed to witch-hunt anyone but to restore order and dignity to Nigerian football. “These clubs were sanctioned because we are trying to create a league that is respected and safe. If we don’t act, we lose credibility, not just locally but internationally.”
He also touched on a recent controversy involving the top scorer of the 2024–25 NPFL season, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United, who netted 18 goals. Elegbeleye criticized the unsanctioned Eunisell Boot award announced without coordination with the league. The NPFL had to formally distance itself and confirm that any award or prize-giving ceremony needs prior league approval .
The player was barred from featuring in a private football tournament shortly after the season ended. Elegbeleye explained that the ban was not personal but stemmed from procedural failure by the organizers of the event.
“This is a top player we value highly. But when a private competition wants to engage NPFL players, they must write to inform the league body. That didn’t happen in this case. We cannot allow unregulated participation that could risk the player’s health or breach professional terms. There must be structure. That’s how serious leagues operate,” he explained.
On the issue of club licensing, the NPFL boss emphasized that only clubs that meet the prescribed professional requirements will be eligible to participate in the league going forward. These requirements, he said, include proper infrastructure, financial stability, qualified coaching staff, functioning administrative setups, and youth development programs.
“Club licensing is no longer a formality. It is a standard set by FIFA, and we are fully implementing it in Nigeria. If a club lacks structure, no medical team, no proper office, no financial books, no youth academy, such a club has no business in a professional league. We are tired of clubs that only show up on matchday and disappear the rest of the week. That era is gone,” he said.
Elegbeleye revealed that the current NPFL board inherited virtually nothing from the defunct League Management Company, LMC, the former body in charge of the league. According to him, the transition left them with no financial support, no operational documents, and no existing sponsorship frameworks.
“We met nothing. Absolutely nothing. We started from zero. No handover, no records, no plans. We had to build everything from scratch, structures, schedules, technology, administration, branding, everything,” he said. “What we’ve achieved so far is a testament to hard work, not luck. Nigerians need to understand that we didn’t take over a functioning system. We built one.”
Despite these challenges, Elegbeleye confirmed that plans for the upcoming NPFL season are already in motion, with the 2025/2026 campaign officially set to begin on August 22. He said this early notice was deliberate to allow clubs adequate time to meet all operational requirements and prepare for the new season.
“We are not shifting this date. August 22 is the kickoff. Clubs have been informed. If your team is not ready, no license, no structure, no compliance, you won’t be allowed to participate. We must enforce standards if we want results,” he added.
As the new season approaches, the reforms being championed by Elegbeleye have begun to shape a new narrative for the NPFL, one focused on structure, integrity, and growth. The decision to embrace digital tools, enforce discipline, hold clubs accountable, and return professionalism to the forefront is already being seen as a turnaround moment for Nigerian football.
While challenges remain, especially around funding, infrastructure, and fan education, the league’s leadership appears determined to press forward. For the first time in a long while, there is a clear roadmap, and a leadership willing to walk it.
For Gbenga Elegbeleye, the goal is not just to run a league. It is to build an institution, one that Nigerian footballers can be proud to play in, one that fans can safely attend, one that the international football community can respect. And for Nigerian football, that future begins now.
By Benprince Ezeh
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