Recently, the NPFL Chairman Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye came out to announce that the August 22 2025 kick off date of the Premier League in Nigeria remains sacrosanct. This, he said is to consolidate on what was achieved in the preceding season, of aligning the League with what is tenable in other clime. 

This decision is widely acceptable by all League followers as many will now attach seriousness to our League calendar. 

As we begin to countdown to the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, our spotlight will shifts not only to the clubs and players but also to the league organizers and stakeholders. 

This will put Nigerian football at a critical crossroads as our teams will be battling for both domestic credibility and international relevance — the task before the NPFL and its clubs is enormous, demanding strategic planning, financial responsibility, technical innovation, and fan engagement.

At the heart of any successful professional league is a well-structured, transparent, and fair organizational framework. For the NPFL, this remains a priority. The NPFL  must address scheduling inconsistencies, late matchday announcements, and officiating controversies that have long haunted the league’s credibility.

The 2025/2026 season offers an opportunity for the league to implement global best practices. This includes timely publication of fixtures, adherence to kickoff dates, uniform enforcement of regulations, and stiff penalties for clubs or individuals found guilty of bringing the league into disrepute. The league must also recommit to ensuring that matches are played under safe conditions, especially in volatile venues where crowd control remains a challenge.

One of the pressing tasks before both the league body and the individual clubs is the enforcement of CAF’s Club Licensing Regulations. Compliance with licensing criteria — including financial transparency, proper stadium infrastructure, and competent administrative staff — is no longer optional but a prerequisite for long-term participation and continental eligibility.

Clubs must prioritize sustainable financial models. This means moving beyond sole dependence on state governments or political goodwill. There is an urgent need for clubs to develop strong commercial arms, attract private sponsorships, and maximize local revenue sources such as matchday ticketing, merchandising, and fan loyalty programs.

For NPFL organizers, there is also the challenge of enhancing league revenue distribution. Equitable and performance-based financial support can help smaller clubs compete more effectively and stabilize operations.

One of the fundamental challenges facing the NPFL is poor infrastructure. Several stadiums across the country fail to meet modern standards in terms of pitch quality, seating capacity, locker rooms, and safety measures. For a league aspiring to regain continental prominence, the playing environment must be overhauled.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in partnership with the League Management, needs to ensure that all teams play in FIFA-standard stadiums with good pitch surfaces, functional floodlights, clean and secure dressing rooms, and proper medical facilities.

In the build-up to the new season, clubs have a duty to invest in stadium upgrades or secure alternate venues that meet licensing criteria. Television broadcast quality and fan experience at stadiums depend heavily on infrastructure readiness.

No league can grow without competent and impartial officiating. The NPFL’s image has taken hits in past seasons due to questionable refereeing decisions and allegations of match manipulation. Ahead of the new season, there is a clear task for the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) and the league body to improve officiating standards through proper training, merit-based appointments, and technological support.

The potential introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in select matches, or even simplified video review mechanisms, are not negotiable. It could be piloted this season in high-profile games to build confidence in officiating. Transparency in referee assessments and severe penalties for proven misconduct must be enforced without hinderance 

Visibility remains one of the NPFL’s greatest weaknesses. Despite its rich talent and historic rivalries, the league lacks consistent broadcast coverage that could engage fans and attract sponsorship.

With the digital era in full swing, the NPFL must seal television right deals that ensure consistent weekly broadcasts — both locally and internationally. Partnerships with platforms like StarTimes, DSTV, or even YouTube-based streams can provide access to millions of fans. These deals, however, must be transparent, lucrative, and well-structured to ensure clubs also benefit financially.

Media engagement must also extend to club level. Each NPFL team should have a functioning media department to drive social media presence, publish team news, share behind-the-scenes content, and foster a loyal digital fan base. In an era where European clubs dominate Nigerian media spaces, domestic clubs must step up their visibility efforts.

As Nigeria continues to export football talent globally, the NPFL must become a true breeding ground for the next generation. The task before clubs is to make their youth systems functional — not only on paper, but in practice. Every NPFL club should field a youth team and have a clearly defined development pathway.

Homegrown players are not only cost-effective but also attract scouts, boost local pride, and feed national teams. As such, talent development must be prioritized ahead of the season. Clubs should organize scouting programs, youth trials, and partnerships with academies to identify future stars.

In terms of squad preparation, building depth and balance is key. Injuries, suspensions, and player sales are part of the season, and only teams with strong benches can survive the grind of a 38-game season.

For teams that will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, preseason preparation is critical. Nigerian clubs have often underperformed in Africa due to poor planning, weak squads, and administrative shortcomings.

Rivers United, Remo Stars, Abia Warriors and any other team entering continental competition must begin early. That includes securing quality signings, arranging high-intensity friendlies, and ensuring players are match-fit before their continental campaigns kick off. Travel logistics, visa arrangements, and psychological preparation are just as important.

The NPFL’s image abroad is largely shaped by how its top clubs perform in Africa. As such, every representative team must carry the burden of excellence beyond their own ambition.

Finally, no league can thrive without the fans. Stadium attendance in the NPFL has dwindled due to security concerns, poor facilities, and lack of marketing. The 2025/2026 season presents a chance for clubs to win back their communities.

Marketing campaigns, pre-match entertainment, community outreach programs, and affordable ticketing should be at the forefront of club strategies. Partnerships with local influencers, sports journalists, and school programs can reignite interest in NPFL matches. Fan loyalty should be cultivated, not assumed.

Security is paramount. Clubs must work with local law enforcement to guarantee safe and family-friendly environments on matchdays.

The 2025/2026 NPFL season holds significant promise but also enormous responsibility. From the league organizers to the club executives, players, fans, and government partners, everyone has a role to play in elevating Nigerian domestic football.

Success will not come overnight. But with clear vision, professional management, and committed investment in people and infrastructure, the NPFL can begin to reclaim its place as one of Africa’s top football leagues.

The journey begins now — and the task is clear.