NFF Warns NPFL Clubs Ahead Of Stricter Licensing Enforcement
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has warned clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to fully comply with club licensing regulations ahead of the 2026/27 season, stressing that the rules will be enforced without exception.
The directive followed the NFF Executive Committee meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, where the federation welcomed the National Sports Commission's (NSC) commitment to support the strict implementation of the licensing framework.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the NSC has pledged to back the NFF in ensuring that no club circumvents any aspect of the licensing regulations.
The renewed enforcement drive is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the professionalism of Nigerian football.
Earlier, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced a ₦2.5 billion prize pool for the 2026/27 NPFL season and proposed increasing the minimum salary for league players from ₦150,000 to ₦2 million.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the commission is determined to transform Nigerian football by strengthening the domestic league.
"We are determined to reform the league. With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the private sector, the funding available to Nigerian sports is unprecedented," Olopade said.
He added that improving the NPFL would have a positive impact on the national teams and football administration across the country.
Olopade also defended the proposed ₦2 million minimum wage, saying it would discourage players from moving to lower-profile foreign leagues for modest salaries.
"We cannot continue to see our players leave Nigeria for leagues in countries like Benin Republic and Vietnam to earn as little as 800 dollars. We must build a professional league that provides the right environment for players to develop and thrive," he said.
The NPFL board has tentatively scheduled the start of the 2026/27 season for August 27–29.
Under the approved football calendar, the campaign will conclude on May 28, 2027, while fixtures for the President Federation Cup have also been included as part of efforts to maintain a more organised domestic football schedule.
The directive followed the NFF Executive Committee meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, where the federation welcomed the National Sports Commission's (NSC) commitment to support the strict implementation of the licensing framework.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the NSC has pledged to back the NFF in ensuring that no club circumvents any aspect of the licensing regulations.
The renewed enforcement drive is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the professionalism of Nigerian football.
Earlier, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced a ₦2.5 billion prize pool for the 2026/27 NPFL season and proposed increasing the minimum salary for league players from ₦150,000 to ₦2 million.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the commission is determined to transform Nigerian football by strengthening the domestic league.
"We are determined to reform the league. With the support of President Bola Tinubu and the private sector, the funding available to Nigerian sports is unprecedented," Olopade said.
He added that improving the NPFL would have a positive impact on the national teams and football administration across the country.
Olopade also defended the proposed ₦2 million minimum wage, saying it would discourage players from moving to lower-profile foreign leagues for modest salaries.
"We cannot continue to see our players leave Nigeria for leagues in countries like Benin Republic and Vietnam to earn as little as 800 dollars. We must build a professional league that provides the right environment for players to develop and thrive," he said.
The NPFL board has tentatively scheduled the start of the 2026/27 season for August 27–29.
Under the approved football calendar, the campaign will conclude on May 28, 2027, while fixtures for the President Federation Cup have also been included as part of efforts to maintain a more organised domestic football schedule.
