From the ashes of a wrecked NPFL under the former League Management Company (LMC) a few years ago, the rejigged NPFL, under the able leadership of Hon. Gbénga Elegbeleye and his COO, Davidson Owumi, is gradually rising to become one of the most competitive leagues on the African continent.
Despite the paucity of funds, the management of the NPFL, through hard work and commitment, has successfully organised a series of productive seasons in recent years with the support of a competent management team. Organisation has improved significantly, the league now starts and finishes on schedule, spectatorship has increased, and officiating is getting better.
The 2025/2026 season was unique and spectacular. As of Sunday, 24 May 2026, which marked Matchday 38 and the final day of the season, only two clubs had already been confirmed relegated — Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C.. Eight other clubs were still battling at the edge of relegation, with any two of them capable of going down by 6 p.m. on the final day. Even among the top-table clubs, no one was certain of the league title until the referees’ final whistles across various centres.
A total of 772 goals, 287 wins, and 45 away wins were recorded during the season. Godwin Obaje of Rangers International F.C. led the goal scorers’ chart with 14 goals.
Kudos must go to the Hon. Gbénga Elegbeleye-led team and their partners, GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, for rebuilding the NPFL from the ruins and shadows of death experienced under the defunct League Management Company (LMC). Although there is still room for improvement, this is the appropriate time to transparently open up the NPFL to credible broadcast rights partners and multiple title-rights sponsors. All hands must be on deck to restore viability to the NPFL, the nucleus of Nigerian domestic football.
Rangers International F.C. were crowned champions after defeating Ikorodu City F.C. 2–1 at the Onikan Waterfront in Lagos.
Sadly, former champions Remo Stars F.C. and El-Kanemi Warriors F.C. joined Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. as the four relegated clubs, while Rivers United F.C. finished as runners-up and Shooting Stars S.C. secured continental tickets.
Prince Harrison Jalla
Chairman,
Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts.
