The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has unveiled plans for a major transformation of the league, including a new European title sponsor, increased live broadcasts and a global player-data system designed to improve the international visibility and transfer value of Nigerian footballers.
Hon. Elegbeleye, a former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, spoke during the NPFL preseason tournament in Jos, where he explained that the competition was primarily designed to prepare Nigeria’s representatives for their upcoming continental assignments and the new NPFL season.
According to him, the league is also preparing to enter a new commercial era, with a title sponsorship agreement already signed with a European company.
He said the identity of the company would be formally unveiled within days, adding that the sponsorship package would involve millions of dollars.
“In a few days’ time, we will sign with what I call a title sponsor. So our league will have a title sponsor,” Elegbeleye said.
He explained that the company would be unveiled at a major ceremony in Nigeria, with the announcement expected to attract national attention.
Elegbeleye also disclosed that the NPFL has entered into an agreement with a major global data company to provide comprehensive data on league matches and players.
He said the initiative would make Nigerian players more visible to clubs and scouts around the world and help end what he described as the era of Nigerian players moving to obscure football markets for relatively small transfer fees.
“For this season, for the very first time, our league will be data-driven,” he said, explaining that the new system would ensure that matches and player performances are properly documented and accessible internationally.
The NPFL chairman expressed optimism that improved player data would strengthen the bargaining position of Nigerian clubs and players in international transfers.
He said the league now wants to move away from situations where Nigerian players are sold abroad for as little as €20,000 or €40,000.
According to him, the long-term target is for Nigerian clubs to secure transfer fees in the range of €500,000 to €1 million and beyond for top players moving to foreign leagues.
Elegbeleye further disclosed that the league would significantly expand its television and digital broadcasting presence during the coming season.
He said more matches would be shown live, including broadcasts on two YouTube channels, providing fans at home and abroad with greater access to NPFL football.
The move, he noted, forms part of the league’s wider strategy to improve visibility, commercial value and international exposure.
On the significance of the Jos preseason tournament, Elegbeleye said the competition was organised primarily to prepare Nigerian clubs representing the country in CAF inter-club competitions.
He explained that the tournament provides the clubs with an opportunity to build fitness, test their squads and improve tactical readiness before beginning their continental campaigns.
Rangers International and Rivers United are Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, while the FA Cup winner El-Kanemi Warriors and Shooting Stars are expected to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Responding to concerns that the tournament could expose players to fatigue ahead of the new season and continental fixtures, Elegbeleye argued that professional players must be capable of handling demanding schedules.
He cited the European football calendar as an example, noting that top-level players regularly compete in several matches within short periods.
“These are players. They should undergo rigorous situations like this to be able to face the challenge,” he said.
The NPFL chairman also expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government and people for hosting the preseason tournament.
He specifically acknowledged the state governor, the Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Kwande, and the Chairman of Plateau United, Malam Alhassan Yakmut.
Elegbeleye also acknowledged the Commissioner for Sports and other stakeholders for their support toward the tournament.
He said the NPFL’s current direction was focused on building a stronger, more commercially viable and globally visible league capable of producing better opportunities for clubs, players, supporters and other stakeholders.
The planned title sponsorship, expanded broadcasting and global player-data partnership, he suggested, are key components of that broader transformation agenda.