Abdulrahman takes over as NPFL Chief Operating Officer

Dr Ayo Abdulrahman has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with immediate effect, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) begins a restructuring of domestic football administration.

Abdulrahman’s appointment was announced on Friday, the same day the 2026/27 NPFL season kicked off with Shooting Stars hosting newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

The new NPFL COO holds a doctorate in sports administration and brings experience in football organisation and administration, having worked across various leagues in Nigeria.

His appointment followed a directive issued by the NFF on Thursday, August 27, for the chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the country’s major domestic leagues to hand over their administrative responsibilities to their chief operating officers who are members of NFF staff.

The directive formed part of wider interim measures announced by the NFF following the resignation of President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.

The NFF subsequently appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary to oversee the federation’s secretariat during the transition.

Ikpeme confirmed Abdulrahman’s appointment, saying it was made in line with the federation’s directive.

Abdulrahman will now oversee the operational administration of the NPFL as clubs begin the new campaign.

The restructuring also affects the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One, with the NFF directing their respective administrations to hand over responsibilities to their chief operating officers.

Abdulrahman’s appointment comes as the NPFL begins its 2026/27 campaign.

The opening fixture in Ibadan saw Shooting Stars take on newly promoted Inter Lagos, with the remaining fixtures scheduled as the season progresses.

The clubs will compete for the NPFL title, continental qualification places and survival during the campaign.

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