Ayo Abdulrahaman Takes Over As NPFL Chief Operating Officer

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with immediate effect.

His appointment was announced on Friday as the 2026/27 NPFL season got under way, with Shooting Stars hosting newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, in the opening fixture.

Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate in sports administration and brings extensive experience in football organisation and administration, having worked across various leagues in Nigeria.

The NFF said his appointment followed a directive issued on Thursday, 27 August, requiring board members and chief executive officers of the various domestic leagues, as well as COOs who are not members of NFF staff, to vacate their positions.

NFF Interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, said Abdulrahaman was appointed as part of measures to ensure continuity in the administration of the domestic leagues during the ongoing transition within Nigerian football.

The appointment comes after the National Sports Commission (NSC) ordered the leadership of the NPFL, Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One to hand over the administration of their respective competitions to COOs who are members of NFF staff.

Where existing COOs are not NFF staff, the acting General Secretary was directed to deploy new officers from within the federation.

Abdulrahaman’s immediate task will be to oversee the administration of the NPFL as the new season begins, with the league expected to operate under the transitional arrangements introduced following the recent leadership changes at the NFF.

His appointment takes effect immediately.