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NPFL secures $7.5m title sponsorship deal, insists on August kick-off

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Barely one minute nth after the National Sports Commission announced that it would inject about N1billion into the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the new season, to raise its standards the league management body has announced that it has secured a new $7.5m sponsorship for the 2026/2027 season 

NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye who confirmed the new deal when he spoke to journalists  at the Maldron Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland, said negotiations with the prospective sponsor had reached an advanced stage, with the official unveiling expected before the league’s Annual General Meeting on August 7.

Elegbeleye also confirmed that the new football season will commence in August, insisting that the NPFL has no plans to shift the league kick off date, adding that the league would continue to adhere to the August-to-May football calendar, describing it as a reflection of the NPFL’s growing professionalism.

“We are finalising the details. I have travelled abroad to conclude discussions and ensure everything is properly put in place. Beyond becoming our title sponsor, this partnership will also strengthen our digital presence as we work to grow the league’s social media platforms through influencers and strategic content creation,” he said.

As part of efforts to reposition the league, Elegbeleye revealed that discussions had also been held with leading Nigerian entertainers, who have agreed in principle to support the NPFL’s fan engagement campaign.

“I have spoken with a couple of top entertainers, and we are expected to sign agreements with them in the coming days. They have agreed to support this initiative for the development of Nigerian football and have even indicated they would attend more than one league match. Their involvement, alongside our new title sponsor and digital campaign, will significantly increase the league’s visibility and fan engagement

“We are setting up a social media department that will bring together journalists who have remained committed to the league and young, creative media professionals. Our goal is to consistently tell the NPFL story and connect with fans across digital platforms.”

“We are determined to sustain the culture of starting the league on schedule. It reflects our seriousness and aligns with global football standards. We also want all clubs to complete their club licensing requirements before the season begins because we do not want any team left behind.” He stated 

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FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos record 2-0 win over Puerto Rico

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Nigeria’s U-17 Women National Team, the Flamingos, kept their campaign at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on track with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat.

The 2022 World Cup bronze-medallists started the game with real intent, pressing high and creating early problems for the Puerto Rican defence. It was a lively opening from both sides, but the Flamingos soon took control with their quick movement and direct play going forward.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished brilliantly from Queen Joseph’s assist to put Nigeria 1-0 up. That goal settled the Nigerian girls and gave them the confidence to dominate possession for most of the first half.

In the second period, the Flamingos continued to push for another goal. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all came close, while Puerto Rico also tried to find a way back into the game with a couple of changes. Coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to add more energy and bite in attack.

The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute when Nigeria got the second goal as substitute Precious Oscar nodded home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to seal the contest at 2-0. The team showed great maturity to see out six minutes of added time and secure all three points. The victory is a big boost for the Flamingos as North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other match of Group B. The high-score deficit against the Poles is an advantage to the Flamingos ahead of Friday’s Group B encounter against the Koreans.

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NPFL hammers Doma Utd with N5.25m fine, orders 3 home matches behind closed doors

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Gombe based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Doma United has been fined N5.25 million and ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following security breaches and supporters’ misconduct during its 1-1 draw with Kun Khalifat FC.

The sanctions followed the club’s supporters alleged attack on Kun Khalifat of Owerri during the Matchday 9 fixture played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Saturday, October 17.

In a disciplinary notice issued on Monday, the NPFL said Doma United failed to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas.

The club was also fined 1 million for hostile conduct towards match officials and another 1 million for gross misconduct involving an official of the visiting team.

The club was further tasked to pa additional N250,000 as compensation for the medical treatment of Kun Khalifat head coach, Obinna Uzoho, who sustained an injury during the incident.

The total financial penalty amounts to 5.25 million, alongside the restriction barring spectators from the club’s next three home fixtures.

The disciplinary action also affects the match commissioner, who has been recommended for demotion to a lower league over alleged dereliction of duty, inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of the match.

The club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the decision.

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FIBA congratulates new NBBF president, recognizes election

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The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has congratulated Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), acknowledging the successful conduct of the federation’s elective congress held on October 15, 2026.

A statement from the NBBF Media office said FIBA, in an official letter signed by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis congratulated Mustapha and all elected board members who will serve the federation for the 2026-2030 term.

FIBA’s letter acknowledged receipt of the NBBF’s communication confirming the outcome of the election and commended the federation’s commitment to good governance and compliance with its constitution and applicable FIBA regulations.

The recognition represents a significant endorsement of the electoral process and Mustapha’s emergence as NBBF president, reinforcing the international body’s acknowledgement of the new leadership.

FIBA also recognized the support provided by relevant Nigerian authorities and stakeholders throughout the electoral process, highlighting the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing basketball administration in the country.

The international federation also expressed appreciation to the outgoing NBBF board, led by Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, for its work and contributions to Nigerian basketball.

Zagklis further recalled his recent meeting with Mustapha in Berlin and expressed his expectation of meeting him again in person, wishing the new president and his colleagues success throughout their tenure.

The new leadership is expected to build on the recognition and institutional support to strengthen basketball development, improve governance and advance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and international stages.

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