Tag: NPFL

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has  moved to enforce arbitration decisions of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status/Arbitration Committee following the failure of affected clubs to take advantage of extended windows of moratorium.

The clubs were respectively dragged to the NFF Committee in disputes over salaries and entitlement of some of their former players and coaches.

The Committee entered judgment in favour of the petitioners and gave the affected clubs a time frame and process for compliance.

“Having exhausted the period of grace, we have moved to enforce the judgment and the first step is to withdraw licenses of all newly transferred and registered players of the affected clubs for the ongoing season”, explained Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL.

In a letter to the affected clubs, referenced “Indefinite Withdrawal of Licenses of Newly Registered Players For the 2024/25 Season due to Non-Compliance with NFF Players Status/Arbitration Committee Decision”, the NPFL notified the clubs that the Withdrawal of the licenses will take effect from Matchday 10.

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“As a result of this non -compliance, the licenses of the following newly  transferred and registered

players for the 2024/2025 season are hereby indefinitely withdrawn, effective from MatchDay 10″, the letter stated.

Some of the clubs include Plateau United (14 players), Lobi Stars (15 players), Kwara United (20 players), Katsina United (players) and Enyimba International (18 players).

The others are El-Kanemi Warriors (13 players), Bayelsa United (18), Akwa United (17 players) and Abia Warriors (23 players).

The NPFL insisted that the licenses of the players would only be restored upon receipt of official confirmation that the club has fully complied with the decision.

Nigeria Premier Football League has directed topflight clubs that do not have  the clearance to have their games broadcast live on their home grounds to select from the available list of approved match venues for the same purpose.

The NPFL through its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi had yesterday released  list of approved stadiums that can host live games.

The stadiums picked were Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne, Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt; Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia, Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos and Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

Owumi said: “After thorough review and deliberation, the board has approved the following stadiums for television coverage during the 2024 season: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin ;Enyimba International Stadium, Aba; Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne; Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan; Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt ; Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina; Lafia Township Stadium, Lafia; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo ;Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu; Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos and Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.”

The league body affirmed that N500,000 would be allocated to the clubs hosting night matches while the NPFL further states that efforts would be made to ensure fairness and balance in distribution of television coverage across the league.

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“In addition to the stadium approvals, a sum of N500,000 per match will be allocated to the clubs hosting night matches. This amount will be deducted from the respective club’s share of broadcast rights revenue at the end of the season,” Owumi continued.

“All clubs must ensure an equal distribution of live home matches to maintain fairness and balance in television coverage across the league.

“Clubs whose stadiums are deemed unsuitable for daytime television coverage are required to provide an alternative venue that meets the NPFL’s requirements for broadcast.

“Should a club decline to provide an alternative TV- friendly stadium for daytime coverage, the NPFL reserves the right to select a venue from the approved list to host the club’s live televised matches. In the event of failure to host, fines or sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the provisions outlined in the NPFL framework.

“We kindly request that you communicate these decisions to all members clubs for timely implementation during the ongoing 2024 season.”

The 2024-25 NPFL season which enters Matchday Six this weekend has Raised Rivers United at the top.

In the top leagues in Europe and other parts of the world, a good team wins anywhere. Matches are won largely based on the strengths of the teams. The good side of it is the fact that fans accept defeats also in good fate after losing to a superior opponent.

Before every game, it is noted that a ‘smaller’ team will struggle even before its fans and could only manage a draw or a slim loss against a ‘bigger’ team.

In the top leagues in Spain, Germany, France, England and Italy, matches are won on merits and this could be at any venue either home or away.

This has been the case over the years and it made the leagues in these countries so interesting because of the unpredictability. In cases where the bigger teams falter, a determined smaller teams carry the day.

In the cup games, smaller teams have gone all the way on many occasions to win competitions. An example was the year Portsmouth and Cardiff played in the final of the 2008 English FA Cup. Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu scored the only goal for Pompey as they won the trophy after beating all the top teams in the season.

In Nigeria, it was not the same. Any team at home is expected to win no matter the pedigree. Away wins especially in the country’s top flight league was almost a taboo. It might not be more than five in a whole season.

However, change is here under the current Nigeria Professional Football League board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Last season, a total of 31 away wins were recorded at various centres while much more away draws were also witnessed.

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In the new season with only four match days, 10 away wins have been recorded to give an indication that there is likely to be higher number of wins on the road in the domestic league,

A veteran of the league who played for various club in over 20 years, Victor Ezeji, stated that to maintain the current momentum is crucial.

 “We have witnessed good starts like this before but because the number is much and promising, we are all happy. I want the referees to keep it up and officiate fairly at all centres,” Ezeji said.

A former international, Ifeanyi Udeze, said the current away results recorded in the NPFL was good for the development of the game.

He commended the NPFL and charged fans to maintain fair play at all the centres of the league.

“In the league, the fans should be ready for any result based on the form of their teams. We need teams to play well and get the results anywhere. Kano Pillars have lost this year and no bad incident was recorded. This is what we want,” Udeze said.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Football Professional League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has also expressed delight over the number of away wins and draws recorded so far in the new season.

The league boss said the new season has started win amazing results that will move the country’s football forward.

A total of 10 away wins have been recorded with 15 away draws.

On Match Day 1, Enyimba defeated Heartland 3-1 away, Remo Stars stunned El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Maiduguri while Niger Tornadoes also piped Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin.

Rangers defeated Ikorodu United 1-0 in Lagos in the only away win of Match Day 2 while Remo Stars again registered another 2-0 away win in Kano, Niger Tornadoes beat Plateau United 2-1 in Minna, El-Kanemi defeated Nasarawa United 4-3 just as Rivers United also recorded 1-0 win in Makurdi against Lobi Stars.

Only on Saturday, Nasarawa United defeated Ikorodu City 2-1 while Sunshine Stars of Akure defeated Akwa United 2-1 in Uyo.

Elegbeleye added: “We are aware the season is a long way to go but we are very positive that so many things will get better based on the work we have put it. Teams should be able to win anywhere without crisis just as we see abroad and that is my joy.

 “What people see in the top leagues like the EPL, Serie A and La Liga is now happening in the NPFL every week.”

Elegbeleye commended the referees for so far doing a good job and urged them to continue just as he also admonished fans to adhere to fair play rules at all times.

After recording two remarkable away wins against Kano Pillars and El Kanemi Warriors, Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, showered praises on the organisers of the league. Remo Stars won 2-0 in Kano and Maiduguri respectively.

 “I am happy with our wins in two wins in tough away centres and the prayer is for us to maintain this atmosphere to get the best in the league,” he said.

Coach Suberu Aliyu whose team, El-Kanemi Warriors, lost at home to Remo Stars also went to record a 4-3 win over Nasarawa United in Lafia.

 “The league is becoming very interesting every season. Kudos to the current NPFL board, a good team can win at any venue,” Aliyu said.

It  would be  another  feast of topflight games across 10 centres as the Matchday Four of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) gets underway  this weekend, writes TUNDE LIADI…

It would  be battle royale when Remo Stars host Rangers International  at their pitch at the lush Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne even as two traditional rivals,  Shooting Stars and Heartland will lock horns in Ibadan.

Elsewhere,  two former champions-Rivers United and Enyimba-are in for a showdown in Port Harcourt in what promises to be a loaded NPFL Matchday Four fixtures between Finidi George and his erstwhile assistant at Enyimba, Yemi Olanrewaju.

In fact,  hostilities begin tomorrow as  newly promoted side, Ikorodu City, step out against Nasarawa United before their fans again just days after they suffered their first defeat of the season in the 1-0 home loss to Rangers on Wednesday in Lagos.

In the second fixture of the weekend also slated for tomorrow, Akwa United will host Sunshine Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

 The game is expected to be played under floodlight  from 5:30pm. The Promise Keepers have only picked two points in as many matches thus far while the Owena Whales are fifth on the log with four points.

The remaining eight games are scheduled for Sunday.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors will face wounded Kano Pillars hoping to win their first game of the season having picked two points from three games.

The Sai Masu Gida as Kano Pillars are called,  were dealt a huge blow last weekend  following a crushing 2-0 loss to Remo Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

In Ikenne, two of the eight remaining unbeaten teams in the topflight this term will lock horns as  defending champions Rangers  engage  their last season’s closest rivals, Remo Stars in what  should be an explosive match of the fourth round.

Incidentally, the Sky Blue Stars have won their opening  three matches of the season including away games at Abia Warriors and Kano Pillars while the Flying Antelopes who were just booted out of the CAF Champions League, have got four points from possible six but with an outstanding  Matchday Three game against  with Bayelsa United to be played on October 2nd.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United will be  seeking their first win of the season before their fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa  against visiting Kwara United. Both teams are winless in their respective  played  two games out of three.

In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors will return home for their first game of the season at the El Kanemi Stadium against Plateau United.

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The Borno Army have played two away games with Rangers  and Nasarawa United but  they got four points from both fixtures. The visiting Peace Boys would prove to be another big test for the  Aliyu Zubairu-led El Kanemi Warriors.

Niger Tornadoes are growing strong in the ongoing season as the Majin Muhammed-led side have beaten Kwara United and Plateau United in Ilorin and Jos respectively in the two away games they have prosecuted. They were however held to a goalless draw by  Nasarawa United in their first return game at the  Bako Kotangora Stadium in Minna after many  years of interregnum, two weeks ago.

They face another acid test at home this weekend  against battle-hardened  Bendel Insurance who have only recorded a solitary point from their  two previous games.

Old rivalry will be rekindled in Ibadan on Sunday night when Shooting Stars trade tackles with Heartland  at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba by 5:30pm.

The Oluyole Warriors failed to win their first home game of the season against Plateau United and they will be under immense pressure against success-starved Naze Millionaires who picked a draw last season in Ibadan.

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Katsina United will be eager to compound  the woes of Lobi Stars who have got just a point from three games.

The Chanji Boys are fresh from their hard earned draw in Owerri against Heartland  and it may be hard for the  visiting Pride of Benue to survive their onslaught in Katsina.

The concluding fixture of the weekend is  the unarguably star game between Rivers United and Enyimba at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Both teams  are yet unbeaten after three games though the People’s Elephant have played a game less.

The previous games between both teams have been fierce and the presence of the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Chris Green, who graced the rescheduled mid-week game between Enyimba and Lobi Stars in Aba is an indication that no quarter  would be asked and none would be given in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has warned that companies and businesses should stay away from its match venues if they are not affiliated to the league through properly approved contracts.

Chairman of the NPFL,  Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, gave the marching order following reports of ambush activities of a mobile device product manufacturer,  Infinix.

“Last week we had cause to circulate a memo to all clubs to regularise their marketing activities by adhering to the process spelt out in our Framework and Rules

“The reason for the general caution was that pictures and videos of Man-of-the-Match presentation were circulated showing Infinix, a brand not affiliated to the NPFL. The same company was also in Jos to illegally present an award at the end of Matchday 3 between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes.

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“We may have no option that take legal steps to protect our league assets from such underhanded marketing”, the NPFL Chairman stated.

He described the Man-of-the-Match award as one of the Matchday assets of the league reserved for only brands that enjoy a relationship with the league.

“Sporadic presentations of cheap mobile devices devalue  the league and will not be allowed to continue. Furthermore,  any Club that abates this illegal use of the NPFL will face stiff sanctions”, Elegbeleye warned.

He said the league board is not restraining clubs from seeking income streams through sponsorship, noting that: “laid down processes must be complied with so the assets of the league are not sold cheap.”

Akwa United head coach, Muhammed Babaganaru has stated that his goal shy attackers must take their chances  and ensure the Promise Keepers hit the ground running unlike  their fits and starts of last season.

Ezekiel Edidiong’ late minute penalty salvaged a draw for the Promise Keepers and Babaganaru who lauded his team’s performance was not happy with their profligacies in front of goal.

“Generally it was a bad outing for us, it’s a result that we didn’t expect and I’m very disappointed,” Babaganaru told the club’s official website.  “From my assessment, my players played very well and we dominated throughout but we couldn’t convert the many chances we created.

 “Abia Warriors got their goal very early into the game and they defended very well and we tried to push for the equalizer but it wasn’t to be until the last minute of the game that we won that penalty in which Edidiong scored.

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“This is the beginning of the season and we have to hit the ground running by winning games. We have two points from a possible six and we don’t have to wait any longer, we need to ensure we work on our scoring abilities and also redouble our effort in subsequent games as we hope for a better season ahead,” he added.

Akwa United will not be involved in the NPFL Matchday Three games this weekend with their opponents, Enyimba playing the reverse fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round against Etoile Filante du Ouagadougou this weekend. The game now holds Wednesday, October 2nd in Uyo.

Clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been reminded that all rights contract must be vetted by the league before they become operational.

In apparent reaction to observed breaches of the NPFL Marketing codes through unauthorized Man-of-the-Match awards  the Chief Operating Officer,  Davidson Owumi drew the attention of the Clubs to Rule A7.6 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.

“All rights contracts to be entered into by any Club shall first be subject to the vetting and approval of NPFL, before execution. This rule serves as a safeguard to help prevent such abuses, and we expect strict adherence moving forward,” Owumi wrote in a memo to the clubs.

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He expressed concerns about the increasing incidence of unauthorized invitation of unaffiliated brands to league venues and offering such brands the NPFL platform for promotional purposes.

“We wish to draw your attention to the growing incidence of unauthorized ambush marketing activities at NPFL match venues by unaffiliated brands. These actions severely undermine the marketing efforts aimed at securing sponsorships for the league and go against the collective interests of the league and all participating clubs,” remarked the COO of the league.

He concluded by advising the clubs to adhere to the provisions of the codes in their marketing activities.

“We are happy to see our clubs engage in raising their revenue base, but please ensure that all marketing activities at your match venues are properly authorized by the league to maintain the integrity and commercial value of the NPFL,” he added.