Sports
NPFL secures $7.5m title sponsorship deal, insists on August kick-off
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
South Africa defender Karabo Dhlamini has said it is important for Banyana Banyana to beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Desiree Ellis’ side will face Nigeria in a play-in clash to earn a place in the inter-confederation play-offs following their failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banyana Banyana’s ambition was thwarted after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash.
Dhlamini insisted that they must take advantage of the second chance to earn a place at the World Cup.
“The goal is still the same,” Karabo Dhlamini told ESPN, adding, “We’ll try our best to win the play-offs because we still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.”
Thursday’s encounter will take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca. It will kick off at 9 pm Nigerian time.
Barcelona attacking midfielder, Fermin Lopez, has reacted to club captain Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool.
Lopez believes it’s a shame that Araujo had to leave Barcelona for the Premier League giants because he is a captain.
Liverpool on Monday signed the 27-year-old defender on a season-long loan deal.
Araujo was part of the Barcelona team that won the LaLiga last season, as he scored three goals in 24 games.
Speaking on Araujo’s move to the Reds, Lopez said (as per SPORT): “He has come to say goodbye.
“It’s a shame, because he is a captain and I have a good relationship with him. He made the decision to continue developing, and I hope he comes back next season.”
By Our Reporter with agency report
Francisca Ordega has blamed poor preparation for the Super Falcons’ ouster from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria failed to make it to the last four for the first time in the history of the competition following the Super Falcons’ 1-0 quarter-final defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.
The West Africans started the competition with a 3-2 shocking defeat to debutants Scorchers of Malawi.
Justine Madugu’s side, however, bounced back with impressive wins against Zambia, and Malawi.
They were bundled out of the competition by Cameroon despite a spirited display.
Ordega told ESPN that the Super Falcons’ preparation for the tournament was not good enough.
When asked whether the team’s preparations were good enough, she said, “of course not. I think it’s something we really need to talk about.
“If you’re coming for a World Cup competition or qualification, you have to prepare because everyone is coming here [with the] World Cup as everyone’s target.”
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
INEC flags off Mega Continuous Voter Registration Centre, enrols 31,835 new voters
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
My service to my country gave me a profound sense of who I am – Former PSC Boss, Chief Simon Okeke
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
PCC Anambra Commissioner pays courtesy visit to FRSC sector commander
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Rescue of Oyo schoolchilden: Tinubu commends security agencies, says action breakthrough in fight against criminality
-
General News1 week ago
2027: Dame Princess Esom-Nwafor Orizu confirmed as APC flagbearer for Nnewi North /South /Ekwusigo Federal Constituency as INEC releases names of candidates
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Ignore unverified HIV figures on social media, verify through official channels, says ANSACA boss
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
COOU Law Faculty honours Chief Dr. Simon Okeke (Ochendu)
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Hello world!