In a bold step to strengthen governance and rebrand the domestic game, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has rolled out a series of sweeping reforms that will take effect from the 2025/26 season.
The reforms, announced during the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), are designed to improve integrity, accountability, and transparency within top-tier Nigerian football.
Below is a full breakdown of the approved governance reforms:
1. Ban on Sale of Promotion Slots:
Clubs can no longer buy their way into the NPFL. If a promoted club fails licensing or opts out, the available slot will now go to the next eligible team in the Nigeria National League (NNL) based on performance, starting with the fifth-placed side. This ends a long-standing practice that undermined meritocracy.
2. Crackdown on Multiple Club Ownership
To prevent conflicts of interest and manipulation, the NPFL will no longer allow a single entity to own more than one club in the league. The league cited the recent Beyond Limits–Remo Stars scenario as a turning point, vowing to protect the integrity of competition
3. Mandatory Tenure for Club Executives
Effective immediately:Club Chairmen must sign a minimum three-year contract.Other top executives (e.g., General Managers, CEOs) are required to sign at least two-year contracts.This move is expected to ensure continuity in leadership and discourage the frequent boardroom changes that have hampered long-term planning in many clubs.
4. Transparent Licensing Process
The NPFL emphasized stricter enforcement of the club licensing system. Any club that fails to meet financial, infrastructural, or administrative requirements will lose its spot, regardless of past pedigree or popularity.
5. Increased Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Clubs that breach any of the new governance protocols, including executive contract terms or ownership restrictions, will face heavy penalties. These could range from points deduction to outright expulsion from the league.
Why It Matters
These reforms come at a critical moment for Nigerian football, with the NPFL aiming to attract serious investors, improve TV and media rights value, and rebuild fan trust. The league is positioning itself as a more professionally run competition, capable of rivalling others on the continent.
The 2025/26 season will serve as the first major test of the league’s resolve to enforce these changes—and it could reshape the future of Nigerian club football.
