NPFL Chairman Eyes Best League in Africa Amid Reforms, Urges Nigerian Clubs to Improve Continental Performance
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has expressed confidence that the Nigerian topflight could become the best league in Africa, citing significant progress made over the past three seasons. His remarks come as the 2024/25 NPFL season nears its conclusion, with Remo Stars already crowned champions with three games to spare, marking their first-ever league title.
Speaking in a radio interview, Elegbeleye highlighted the league’s structural improvements and growing credibility. “My message to the clubs and Nigerians is that we are up to the task. We will run a seamless and very smooth league until the last matchday,” he said. “I am happy Nigerians are believing in and appreciating what we are doing. Our best is yet to come, and we will continue improving until we give Nigeria the best league in Africa.”
Despite the optimism, Nigeria’s top division is currently ranked 12th in Africa according to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) five-year ranking, which is used to determine the number of clubs each country can enter into continental competitions. Currently, Nigeria is allowed to send two teams each to the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
The NPFL has undergone key reforms in recent years, including the introduction of a stable August-to-May schedule that aligns with the global football calendar. This change, according to Elegbeleye, makes it easier for players to pursue trials abroad during the off-season without disrupting their club commitments. “We want to match Europe so our players can go for trials without appearing to have absconded. This also allows clubs to find replacements more easily,” he explained.
The league has also seen a steady increase in prize money, aimed at encouraging competitiveness and professionalism. “When we started three years ago, we promised N100 million to the winner, and we delivered. Last season, it was N150 million, and this season we raised it to N200 million. We want the growth to be geometric. The better the league, the more marketable it becomes,” Elegbeleye added.
However, he voiced concern over the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions, particularly after they qualify by winning the domestic league. “My major concern now is that our clubs are going to the continent and not doing well. That needs to be addressed urgently,” he stressed. “You don’t win the league and then sell off your best players immediately after.”
Elegbeleye’s concern is underscored by the recent struggles of Nigerian clubs on the African stage. Enyimba, Nigeria’s most successful club with back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004, were eliminated in the group stages of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, reflecting a broader decline in continental competitiveness.
As the NPFL continues its reforms, the league board remains focused not only on domestic growth but also on restoring Nigeria’s dominance in African club football.
