NFF Names Abdulrahaman NPFL Chief As League Season Begins

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League as the 2026/27 season gets underway.

Abdulrahaman’s appointment was announced on Friday and takes immediate effect, placing him in charge of the operational administration of Nigeria’s top-flight football competition.

His appointment comes amid a broader restructuring of Nigerian football administration initiated by the NFF. On Thursday, the federation directed board members, chief executive officers of the various leagues and chief operating officers who are not members of NFF staff to vacate their positions.

The directive is part of efforts to reorganise the management structure of the country’s football competitions and strengthen administrative operations.

Abdulrahaman will now oversee the day-to-day running of the NPFL, including the coordination of league activities and other operational responsibilities as clubs begin their campaigns.

The appointment comes at a significant time, with the new NPFL season officially kicking off on Friday.

The opening fixture featured Shooting Stars against newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan. Shooting Stars secured a 2-1 victory in the opening encounter, giving the home side a winning start to the campaign.

Lucky Emmanuel opened the scoring for Shooting Stars in the 15th minute before Inter Lagos equalised through Damilare Adigun seven minutes later. Sodiq Ibrahim restored Shooting Stars’ lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

The 2026/27 season will see clubs compete for the league title, continental qualification places and survival, with newly promoted teams also seeking to establish themselves in the top flight.

Abdulrahaman’s arrival is expected to provide fresh leadership as the NFF implements its restructuring plans across the domestic game.

The changes are not limited to the NPFL, with the federation also reviewing the administrative structures of other domestic competitions, including the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One.

The NFF has also appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary as part of the wider administrative changes.

Abdulrahaman now assumes responsibility for guiding the NPFL’s operations through the new campaign, with stakeholders expecting improved administration, stronger coordination and greater efficiency as the league progresses.