The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), marking a significant shift in league leadership just as the 2026/27 season officially began. The announcement was made on Friday, coinciding with the opening match between Shooting Stars and newcomers Inter Lagos FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan. This move comes after the NFF issued a directive on Thursday for all Board Members and Chief Executive Officers of its affiliated leagues—NPFL, NNL, and NWFL—to vacate their positions if they were not staff of the NFF.
Dr. Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate in sports administration, brings decades of experience in football management and organisational development to his new role. His career has spanned various levels of the Nigerian football ecosystem, giving him deep insight into the challenges and opportunities within the domestic leagues. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh, professional approach to the operations and governance of the NPFL.
The decision to appoint Dr. Abdulrahaman follows a broader restructuring effort by the NFF under the leadership of interim General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON. Ikpeme emphasized that the directive aimed to streamline operations and ensure accountability across all tiers of Nigerian football. He stated that only NFF staff members would be allowed to serve in key leadership roles within the leagues, a move intended to strengthen oversight and reduce conflicts of interest.
Abdulrahaman’s appointment takes immediate effect, signaling the NFF’s commitment to swift implementation of its reform agenda. His responsibilities will include overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating league logistics, managing relationships with clubs, and ensuring compliance with regulations. As COO, he will work closely with the NFF’s technical and administrative teams to enhance the professionalism and sustainability of the NPFL.
This leadership change occurs at a critical time for Nigerian football, as the NPFL seeks to improve competitiveness, attract investment, and boost fan engagement. With the new season underway, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the changes will impact performance on and off the pitch. The appointment of Dr. Abdulrahaman is seen as a step toward modernising the league structure and aligning it with international best practices.
Looking ahead, the success of this transition will depend on effective communication, transparency, and consistent execution. The NFF’s reforms could set a precedent for other football bodies in Nigeria, potentially reshaping the landscape of domestic football for years to come.
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