The first in a series of human development workshops for various personnel of clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will hold on August 16, 2024 for Media Officers of the clubs. Other scheduled workshops would hold for Coaches, Chief Security Officers, Supporters Club Chairmen and Administrativr Managers and Captains. The Benue State Government is the host of the workshop for Media Officers in Makurdi, the state capital from August 15-16. The event has the objective of equipping participants in the use of modern digital tools to enhance their reporting and projection of their respective clubs and by extension, the NPFL. According to the league organizers, attendance is mandatory, as participants will receive crucial instructions on leveraging media to promote their clubs effectively. The workshop underscores the significance of media in the growth and success of football as a global business. By empowering Media Officers with cutting-edge digital tools, NPFL clubs can enhance their visibility, engagement, and overall brand value.
Ogunmodede gets contract extension at Remo Stars
By George Akpayen Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Remo Stars, have extended the contract of their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede. According to the club, Ogunmodede, who is fondly called Ijaball for his kind of sleek football philosophy, will remain with the Sky Blue Stars for the next three years. An excited Ogunmodede believes the extension of his time at the club will serve as “a big motivation” when the upcoming season gets underway with a CAF club competition in sight to start with. He also stated that his consistent performance as Remo Stars head coach must have played a major role in his being handed a new contract. “Saying I am glad is an understatement for me. This is my club, my project. I’ve been here for years now, doing my thing and working relentlessly hard with a consistent behavioural pattern. “The good thing is I am happy that the club is able to see what I’ve done so far to have count me worthy to have another (contract) extension. It is a big motivation for me to know that they appreciate what I’ve done so far. Ogunmodede joined the senior team set up at Remo Stars in 2016 as assistant head coach and in 2021 worked as an assistant coach at Portuguese side Feirense before returning to Nigeria in 2022 to assume the role of head coach of the NPFL club. Last season, he came close to winning his first league title with Remo Stars but finished second behind eventual champions Rangers. He is expected to lead Remo Stars to this season’s CAF Champions League playoff against Morocco’s AS FAR this Sunday. Ogunmodede and his Remo Stars contingent will begin the new NPFL season with a Matchday 1 fixture at Abia Warriors.
Elegbeleye lists benefits of the NPFL-Sevilla deal
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has explained that clubs in the league stand to reap financial benefits in the future from the partnership with Spanish side, Sevilla FC. Elegbeleye spoke from Spain where he travelled to put pen to paper in formalising the collaboration that would see NPFL clubs Coaches receive training facilitated by the club. “In the long run, there would be the possibility of the NPFL youth players attracting offers from international clubs and this will go a long way in ensuring financial stability for our Clubs and reduce their dependence on government for those clubs funded by states”, Elegbeleye told NPFL Media. As part of the deal, a team selected during the NPFL U-17 Youth League would be embarking on a training tour to Spain and would be hosted by Sevilla. While in Spain, they will receive training at the club academy and play friendly games. “The tour of Spain will provide international exposure to the young players and an opportunity to exhibit their natural skills to attract offers. It is a career development path for the youth team members of NPFL Clubs”, added the league chairman. The players numbering 30 have training in a camp at the FIFA Goal Project since July 21 and have played trial matches with some Abuja-based clubs. Elegbeleye also said that the partnership with Sevilla also aims to strengthen sporting and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Spain. This, he stated has already culminated in a visit to the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria. In Spain, the NPFL Chairman was hosted by top officials of the LaLiga club led by the President, José María del Nido Carrasco. Carrasco expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with the NPFL, adding that it would grow the club’s fanbase in Africa’s most populous nation. “We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Premier Football League. Sevilla FC is convinced that this alliance can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players. “It is a new decisive step in our internationalisation process and will help our brand to continue to grow in Africa, in a country like Nigeria from which we are receiving a lot of support after the signing of Chidera Ejuke,” Elegbeleye said. The partnership made the NPFL a member of Sevilla’s ‘World Club Alliance Program’ which aims to establish the club’s presence globally.
NPFL, Sevilla sign Collaboration Deal
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Spanish LaLiga club, Sevilla FC has reached a deal to collaborate on training of Coaches and development of youth football players of NPFL clubs. The arrangement is part of the globalisation process by the Spanish club to grow its fanbase across the world and particularly to tap into the huge followership which football enjoys in Nigeria. The NPFL thus became a member of Sevilla’s World Club Alliance Program. By the agreement, the club will provide advice in sporting and other areas of development, with a special focus on coach training and developing the talent of young Nigerian players. Chairman of the NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye was in Spain last week to consulate the partnership withJosé María del Nido Carrasco, the President of Sevilla FC. “We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Premier Football League. Sevilla FC is convinced that this alliance can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players. “It is a new decisive step in our internationalisation process and will help our brand to continue to grow in Africa and particularly in a country like Nigeria from which we are receiving a lot of support after the signing of Chidera Ejuke,” explained José María del Nido Carrasco. In his response at the signing ceremony, Elegbeleye said, “We have 20 clubs in the NPFL and they all have their youth academies. “I know the history and track record of Sevilla FC. This is a very good club which has won trophies in Spain and Europe for many years. I feel that, with their development strategy and their youth development programme, Nigeria can benefit. We believe that the best players in the Nigeria Youth League will be able to come here every season to train. With your help and training, when they return, they can become better players”. Elegbeleye also spoke on the aspect of the pact that is beneficial to the NPFL clubs, noting that “we also have a training agreement for our coaches that will be positive for us. It is a win-win arrangement for everyone in the NPFL “. The NPFL Chairman also noted that the LaLiga club is already gaining traction amongst Nigeria football fans after Super Eagles player, Chidera Ejuke joined the club from Belgian side, Royal Antwerp. “When they signed Chidera Ejuke from Royal Antwerp, Nigerians showed a lot of interest in Sevilla FC. They now want to know more about Sevilla and the fan base in Nigeria is growing.”
NPFL mourns former club owners Iwuanyanwu, Ubah
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has expressed grief on the passing of two former frontline investors in club ownership in the country. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah ranks amongst private investors in the NPFL through club ownership at different dispensations in League football in the country. The two football and political heavy weights passed on within two days of each other during the week. The late Chief Iwuanyanwu was handed the former Spartans FC and now, Heartland FC of Owerri in 1986 and oversaw the meteoric rise of the club to continental reckoning after winning all available laurels in the nation’s club competition between 1986 and 2002. He died on Thursday, July 25 at the age of 82. The late Senator Ubah delved into club football when he bought controlling hold of Gabros International FC, renaming it FCIfeanyiUbah and steering the club through to the NPFL. He is said to have breathed his last in London at the early hours of Saturday, July 27, at the age of 52. Elegbeleye described the two sad developments as a sad week for the NPFL at a time Nigerian League followers are gravitating towards more private investment in club ownership. “Death is inevitable in our earthly journey, but I am really saddened that the two gentlemen who are part of the torch bearers in private investment in club football completed their earthly journey at a time their experience would have counted most”, remarked the NPFL Chairman. “We take condolence in the knowledge that they made their mark in our sphere and would be remembered for good in the history of the evolution of professional football in Nigeria”, Elegbeleye stated. Iwuanyanwu Nationale was one of the few Nigerian clubs that reached the finals of the old format African Champions Club cup in 1988 but lost 4-1 on aggregate to Entente Setiff Club of Algeria. Following their FA Cup triumph in 2016, FC IfeanyiUbah lost via penalty shootout to Egyptian side Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017. The two clubs funded by the late businessmen had respectively contributed important players to the national teams at various levels in different times. Elegbeleye prayed for the repose of their souls while commiserating with their families and the government and people of their respective states of Imo and Anambra.
Ogunbote signs new contract at 3SC
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has extended his time at the Ibadan until 2026. The former Rangers and Sunshine Stars manager put pen to paper this following weeks of discussion with the club management. Ogunbote expressed excitement at continuing with the project at 3SC after he rejoined the side in 2023 after his time at Southwest neighbours Remo Stars. Oracle, as he is nicknamed, is already looking forward to the coming campaign and hopes to build on their fourth place finish last season when they missed out on continental football on the final day. “I am thrilled to announce that I have signed a two-year contract extension as the head coach of Shooting Stars. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this talented group of athletes and I am excited about the future we will build together “I say a big thank you to the organization and fans for their support, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in the coming years,” Ogunbote said.
Bashir Usman joins Rangers on a two-year deal
Niger Tornadoes attacking winger, Bashir Usman, has penned a two-year deal with reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International ahead of the 2024/25 season billed to start on August 31. The Flying Antelopes have been busy in the off-season transfer window strengthening their playing personnel as the prepare to defend their NPFL title as well as compete in the CAF Champions League and President Federation Cup. The fast-paced winger who was on the searchlight of several clubs both within and outside the country, put pen to paper on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the club’s corporate office after all contract terms were agreed upon. Usman said after the contract signing: “It’s a great deal for me to find myself in Enugu to contribute my quota towards helping Rangers do well in the league and on the continent. I strongly believe that with the quality players on ground, we shall make our fans and supporters happy at the end of the season.” The NPFL champions under coach of the year, Fidelis Ilechukwu has since commenced preparations for a successful defence of the NPFL title and make impressive imprints in the Total Energies CAF Champions League. Usman joins a strong list of signings by Rangers in the off-season that includes Tekena Gerando, Evans Ogbonda, Hillary Ekawu, Ernest Governor, Anayor Ogbonna, Lucky Abdullahi, Macben Otika, Ekeson Okorie, Somtochukwu Nwobodo, Chimaobi Igwilo and Onyekachi Okafor.
NPFL U-17 Youth League All-Stars camp opens in Abuja
A two-week development camp opened in Abuja for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Youth League All-stars. The 30 players who arrived camp on Sunday, July 21 and are staying at the Goodluck Jonathan Athletes Performance Hostel inside the FIFA Goal Project of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. They are made up of seven players from the NPFL champions, Rangers International Youth Team, six from the NPFL runners-up Remo Stars Youth Team and five from winners of the maiden NPFL U17 Youth League, Rivers United. The rest are four from Plateau United and Katsina United, two from Lobi Stars and one each from Abia Warriors and Sunshine Stars. The players were picked from the five zonal qualifiers which held in February at Lafia, Kaduna, Ado-Ekiti, Enugu and Port Harcourt as well as from the finals that held from February 25 to March 3 in Benin. Some of the very outstanding players went on to be promoted to the senior teams of their respective clubs just as some made it to the National U-17 team that narrowly missed qualification for the AFCON U-17 Championship. Notable amongst the players in camp are the duo of Oscar Ozornwanfor and Seiyefa Jackson of Rivers United, Chimaobi Igwilo of Rangers and Aigbe Bolaji of Remo Stars. The camp will close on August 3 while there are plans to have the players travel to Spain for further training.
NPFL referees to have communication aides in new season
Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors are to play in the star game to kick start the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, which kicks off on August 31. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau announced that communication aides would be provided for the Referees to improve officiating in the coming season. “We have concluded the procurement of communication gadgets that can minimise errors, and these will be available for the new season,” announced before declaring open the AGM. Gusau also revealed that the NFF would work with international partners to train Referees on the operations of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the league is poised to improve on the gains of the last two seasons. “We know that the NPFL still has rooms for improvement, and our objective this season is to build on recent successes,” remarked Elegbeleye in his opening address. Some former Nigerian football stars were on hand to pick the draws, which will run on a full season format. They include two former Super Eagles captains, Austin Eguavoen and Peter Rufai, as well Garba Lawal.
NPFL mourns Hon Ekene Adams
A minute silence was observed at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in honour of the late House of Representatives member, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams who died in the early hours of Tuesday. Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the NPFL described the National Assembly member as a committed stakeholder in the country’s football. Adams, who died at the age of 39 was until his death, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports. He also previously served as General Manager of the defunct Kada City FC and was General Manager of NPFL side, Remo Stars. “Adams was very passionate about football, especially at the grassroots and was for a good period of time, an active stakeholder in the NPFL”, Elegbeleye said in an emotion laden voice.
