Nigerian Football
Nigeria Premier League debunks Total Promotions’ claim on broadcast rights
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The Nigeria Premier League has reacted to the claims of Total Promotions Limited regarding to the broadcast rights of the Nigeria Premier League matches.
Total Promotions had last month written to the Commercial Legal department of MTN Communications to the effect that any contractual agreement the telecom firm may have had with the Nigeria Football Federation or its affiliate, the Nigeria Premier League are not valid. He further faulted the transition of the former Nigeria Football League Limited and the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to the present bodies of Nigeria Premier League Limited and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
It cited some legal cases to back its claims. The secretary of the Nigeria Premier League Limited, Danladi Ibrahim, a lawyer however countered the claims in a 20 November memo to the MTN.
He wrote: “We wish to reiterate that these claims made by “Total Promotions Limited” are entirely unfounded, factually incorrect, and devoid of any legal validity. Note that in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2010 (Sam Jaja v Nigeria Football League Limited & 4ors), Justice Okorowo of the Federal High Court gave a judgement ordering the mandatory winding up of the Nigeria Football League Limited, the entity that granted Broadcast Rights to Total Promotions.
“By this judgement, all rights assigned to Total Promotions by Nigeria Football League Limited became extinguished as the latter was consequently stripped of its license to organize a league.”
He also pointed out that the concepts of ‘frustration of contract’ and ‘force majeure’ are recognized under Nigeria’s contract laws. The execution of the contract between Total promotions and Nigeria Football League Limited became impossible after the latter became insolvent and was wound up by the Court.
Danladi Ibrahim further pointed out that the new body running the Nigerian lead football league, the NPL Ltd was officially established on 2 February 2023, through the formal incorporation process with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“This incorporation was conducted under the authority of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports. The primary purpose of this entity is to oversee, regulate, and administer the top-tier professional football league in Nigeria.
“Under the NFF Statute of 2010, a league is defined as any body affiliated to the NFF and granted the authority to organize officially sanctioned competitions. It is essential to emphasize that both Nigeria Football League Limited and League Management Company Limited, private limited liability companies, were once granted this authority by the NFF but subsequently had their licenses revoked due to their financial insolvency.
“The Nigeria Premier League Ltd/Gte (RC No: 6862169) is an independent entity with the exclusive responsibility of organizing the Nigeria Premier Football League. This league is distinct from the Nigeria Professional Football League and the Nigeria Premier League, which were previously managed by the League Management Company Limited and Nigeria Football League Limited, respectively.
“We want to clarify that, based on the principles of contractual privity and the legal personality granted to incorporated entities, the Nigeria Premier League Ltd/Gte (RC No: 6862169) is not a successor to either the League Management Company Limited or Nigeria Football League Limited and has not inherited any of their assets or liabilities.
“On the issue of the legal status of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Article 19 of the FIFA Statutes makes express provision that each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties (including governments).
“Consequently FIFA only recognizes the NFF, but does not accord any recognition to the NFA as constituted under the (NFA Act) as its administrative structure under the Act contravenes the FIFA Statues.”
He asked the MTN to disregard the claims and assertions made by “Total Promotions Limited, as they lack any factual or legal merit.”
Nigerian Football
Finidi Hails Youngster Elias After Impressive Display in Rivers United Win

Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Nigerian Football
GTI Group Congratulates NFF on Successful AGM, Commends Gusau’s Leadership

Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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Nigerian Football
NPFL Queries Warri Wolves over Coach Suspension, Contract Breach

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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