We want to raise NPFL’s commercial growth — Elegbeleye

Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has outlined a roadmap for the 2026/27 season, with a strong focus on commercial growth, improved broadcasting, infrastructure upgrades and preserving the integrity of the league.

Speaking at the 2025/26 NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Ibadan last weekend, Elegbeleye described the just-concluded season as a significant test that demonstrated what could be achieved through collective effort.

He stated that the Nigerian top flight has since secured a new partnership with a direct-to-home television platform to expand access to NPFL matches across Nigeria.

“The 2025/26 season gave us great insight into what we can achieve when we work together. It was not perfect, but we witnessed improvements in organisation, security and fan engagement across our match venues.

“Our priority is to make the league more popular before focusing on commercial returns. Wider television coverage will attract greater interest from fans and sponsors,” he said.

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Elegbeleye added that the league is working to improve its television product through enhanced live match production, highlights, behind-the-scenes content and increased digital and social media engagement.

He identified financial sustainability as one of the challenges facing clubs, urging them to move away from overdependence on government funding by embracing proper branding, private investment and stronger commercial models.

He also stressed the need for clubs to meet minimum infrastructure standards, including quality playing surfaces, adequate seating, medical facilities and youth development structures.

“Fans and sponsors deserve a product that looks and feels professional,” he stated.

Also, Elegbeleye reaffirmed the league’s zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, intimidation of match officials and other forms of misconduct.

He noted that the NPFL has already imposed sanctions ranging from points deductions to financial penalties on offending clubs and officials, adding that stronger measures would now be introduced to combat match-fixing and betting-related offences.

“We will not tolerate match manipulation or any act that brings the league into disrepute. Clubs must play to win. The best team should always win on merit.

“Football belongs to the fans, and together we can continue to build a league that every Nigerian will be proud of,” he added.

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