NPFL Boss backs New NFF structure, praises Gusau’s leadership
By Tosin Omojola
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Second Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has commended NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the decision to expand the Federation’s Congress, describing it as a bold and progressive move for Nigerian football.
Speaking in Abuja, Elegbeleye said the decision grants clubs a direct voice in football administration, a development he noted has long been overdue.
Under the new structure, the NPFL will be represented by 10 delegates, with five drawn from the top five clubs at the end of the 2025/2026 season. The Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) will also have two delegates each.
He explained that the top five NPFL clubs will earn voting rights at the NFF elections later this year, a system designed to deepen competitiveness and reward performance within the domestic league.
Elegbeleye acknowledged that while Nigeria narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification, the national teams have recorded notable progress under Gusau’s leadership.
He cited the Super Eagles’ run to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Gusau’s first year in office, as well as a subsequent semi-final finish and bronze medal, as evidence of steady improvement.
He also highlighted gradual gains in age-grade competitions and credited Gusau with laying a solid foundation for sustained growth despite financial constraints.
Elegbeleye further commended the support extended to domestic leagues, including the NPFL, NNL, NLO, and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), describing it as a clear indication of a leader focused on grassroots development and youth empowerment.
