Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has said that there is an urgent need for leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to attract multiple mega sponsorships for the league.
Olopade, who spoke at the end of the 2025/2026 NPFL season, said: “This league is ripe for multi-billion naira sponsorship, and that is what we need to start working towards collectively.
“There has been tremendous improvement. We keep moving from strength to strength, and today’s atmosphere was amazing. It is something that we all as Nigerians must be proud of.”
According to him, the league has made clear progress in structure, planning, and timing.
“In terms of structure, planning, and timing, we have moved on,” he said.
He congratulated the new champions, Rangers FC of Enugu, as well as Ikorodu City and Rivers United.
Olopade noted that the league had made clear progress in structure, planning, and timing, but said the next step was securing bigger sponsorship.
He added that the NFF, NSC, and the league board must work together to ensure the NPFL is properly funded to match its growing appeal.
Enugu Rangers were crowned champions after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Rangers’ victory sealed the title despite Rivers United’s 3-0 win over Katsina United on the same day.
Meanwhile, NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has commended the clubs for the successful completion of an impressive and competitive season.
Elegbeleye said he considered the season successful as the clubs played to schedule to ensure that the match fixtures were followed from start to finish.
“I am sending a heartfelt message of congratulations to all the 20 clubs, including those who won tickets to represent Nigeria and those that were unfortunate to be relegated.
“Together, we played to make the season a resounding success by competing till the last day,” Elegbeleye stated.
He charged the three clubs that won continental club competition tickets to start earnestly to prepare for the events to give Nigeria a formidable presence next season.
“The season may have ended, but going to play on the continent means that your preparation starts now.
“I charge you to change the narrative of the recent past to give the country a formidable presence again in the African club competitions,” he added.
Enugu Rangers finished top of the table after Matchday 38 with a virtuoso 2-1 win in Lagos against Ikorodu City. Rivers United finished second as their 3-0 defeat of Katsina United was not enough to upend Rangers, who could only be assailed if they drew or lost. Ikorodu City’s defeat meant that Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) retained the third place after losing to Niger Tornadoes.
The three clubs will be joined by the winner of the President’s Federation Cup to represent the country in CAF club competitions later in the year.
Remo Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists were relegated.
