…Remo Stars Faces Rivers United in Opening match
Joel Ajayi
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has expressed optimism ahead of the 2025/26 season, set to kick off on August 22, citing significant progress made in the previous campaign.
Speaking before the official fixture draw, Elegbeleye highlighted a sharp increase in matchday attendance and public interest, which he attributed in part to the return of high-profile Nigerian internationals.
“There was a notable rise in followership last season. Our league’s popularity soared, thanks in part to the return of top Super Eagles players like captain Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars, Brown Ideye to Enyimba, and Godwin Obaje to Rangers, among others,” he said.
He further explained: “Regarding broadcasting, we have Startimes, but we may seek alternative partnerships. Currently, the NPFL does not have sponsors. GTI is not the league’s sponsor.
“When we took charge, the Referee Association, under the late Tade Azeez, informed us that they were owed indemnities for over three years. We clarified that we inherited nothing from the previous administration—no accounts or funds—and thus could not settle the previous debts. Instead, we expressed our intention to start afresh with those we are currently working with. We engaged with various organisations, including GTI, and reached an agreement for them to pay the referees.
“We commenced operations in October 2023, and to date, we do not owe any referees. How did we achieve this? When GTI agreed to assist, the 2023 season was an abridged league, with the referees’ fees totalling N500 million. GTI wanted to transfer the funds to us, but as an experienced administrator—having served as Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Council chairman, and in various authoritative positions—I recognised that money in accounts can sometimes be moved for other uses. Thus, I agreed with my board members that we would prefer not to hold that money in our account; instead, GTI would keep it and pay the referees directly based on the account details we provided. That is why we have no outstanding debts. Although we currently lack sponsors, we are actively working to secure them,” Elegbeleye concluded.
Representing NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi commended the league for sticking to its schedule and maintaining consistency throughout the last season. He also assured stakeholders that plans are underway to improve officiating standards through the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
“We recently sponsored a group of referees for VAR training in Morocco,” Sanusi disclosed, while addressing NPFL club chairmen, general managers, and members of the media in Abuja.As the new season draws near, anticipation is building following the announcement of Matchday 1 fixtures.
Champions Remo Stars will open their campaign at home against 2024 title holders Rivers United in a headline clash in Ikenne.
With renewed energy, growing fan engagement, and major players returning home, the 2025/26 NPFL season promises to deliver thrilling football and heightened competition across all 20 clubs.
