NPFL unveils Prostar Sports as official match ball

By Olaolu Joseph
Matches in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will now be played with official match balls produced by Prostar Sports.
This development follows the delivery of the first batch of match balls from Prostar Sports to the NPFL earlier this week.
Speaking on the partnership, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye noted that negotiations extended beyond the first stanza of the season as both parties, including the NPFL’s investment partners, GTI Asset Management, sought to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all obligations.
“Ideally, the official match balls would have been introduced at the start of the season, but we wanted to ensure we secured a ball of the highest standard.
“There was a need to ensure that the balls met international football competition standards so our players wouldn’t have to play with sub-standard equipment.
“We went back and forth until we were satisfied with what Prostar Sports had to offer,” Elegbeleye explained.
Paul Maduakor, CEO of Prostar Sports, expressed delight at finalizing the deal, describing the negotiation process as meticulous.
“It is a major breakthrough for us at Prostar Sports, a proudly Nigerian brand aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to produce and supply sporting equipment of international standards for the NPFL, the biggest league in Africa,” Maduakor said.
He added, “Partnering with the NPFL allows us to contribute to the growth of local talent and elevate the professional football experience in the country.”
A Prostar Sports brand statement describes the ball as the pinnacle of the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and performance.
The size 5 ball is crafted with diamond-pattern soft-touch thermal-bonded PU leather, ensuring exceptional durability, control, and a premium feel for players. It features a micro-shell coated butyl bladder for superior air retention and consistent shape, even under intense match and weather conditions.
The design incorporates 32 panels, delivering aerodynamic stability and precision during gameplay. It weighs between 400-430 grams, has a bounce range of 1.1-1.4 meters, and is engineered to meet the demands of professional-level football.
Maduakor emphasized that the ball complies with FIFA-regulated international match standards, ensuring its suitability for competitive play at the highest level.
He assured the NPFL that “this exceptional combination of advanced materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and adherence to international standards guarantees a ball that enhances performance, durability, and consistency, providing players with an unparalleled match experience.”