NFF begins reform, appoints new NPFL leadership

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun implementing its proposed reforms of Nigerian football with the appointment of Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Read Also: Gusau’s exit: Reset button or fresh crisis for Nigerian football?

Abdulrahaman’s appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Friday as the 2026/27 NPFL season got underway with the opening fixture between CAF Confederation Cup representatives Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

Read Also: President Tinubu orders comprehensive reform of Nigerian football

The appointment is the latest step in the restructuring of Nigerian football following the mass resignation of the NFF leadership and the federation’s decision to suspend preparations for its September 27 elective congress.

Experienced administrator joins NPFL

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

Read Also: N203bn later, Nigeria’s football crisis deepens

The NFF’s interim general secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the appointment followed the federation’s directive of August 27 for board members and chief executive officers of the various leagues, as well as chief operating officers who are not NFF staff, to vacate their positions.

The directive forms part of the interim measures introduced to ensure continuity in football administration while broader reforms of the NFF structure are undertaken.

Read Also: Mikel Obi calls for radical overhaul of Nigerian football, demands NFF board resignation

New leadership amid wider NFF reforms

Abdulrahaman will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the NPFL as the federation seeks to strengthen the administration of Nigeria’s top-flight league.

The NFF has said the reform process is intended to address long-standing governance, administrative and developmental challenges within Nigerian football, while ensuring that domestic competitions continue without disruption.

The move also signals the federation’s determination to separate the transition in its administration from the running of the domestic game, with the new NPFL leadership expected to provide stability as discussions continue with government, FIFA, CAF and other stakeholders.

NPFL faces pressure to raise standards

The appointment comes at a critical time for the NPFL, with the new season beginning amid renewed calls for stronger league administration, improved commercialisation and greater professional standards in Nigerian football.

Abdulrahaman’s immediate task will be to oversee the league’s operations while contributing to efforts to build a more efficient and commercially sustainable domestic football structure.