Nigerian Football
SPECIAL FEATURE: GTI’s Strategic Impact on NPFL
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has long been a cornerstone of the country’s sports culture that produced great players that took the global soccer ecosystem by storm. However, shortly after the 2021/2022 NPFL season, things began to fall apart as the fortunes of the elite league began to nosedive and was near a state of comatose.
Plagued by numerous challenges that hindered its growth and development, it was evident that the business aspect of the management of the elite league was grossly overlooked and this necessitated the intervention of GTI Asset Management & Trust Ltd for a rescue mission.
As a kicker, aside from the aforementioned, the NPFL suffered a trust deficit from would-be sponsors that severely impacted its operations. There was a total lack of confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and even the players themselves. This led to a significant decline in sponsorships, as companies were hesitant to associate their brands with a league that was perceived as poorly managed.
One of the most glaring issues was the mismanagement of the league’s assets. Elite league football clubs which should have been thriving, were instead struggling due to depreciating assets and a lack of proper funding. Match officials were often left without adequate remuneration, leading to discontent and a lack of motivation. This, in turn, affected the quality of the matches and the overall competitiveness of the league.
The NPFL also suffered from a lack of visibility. Despite the passion for football in Nigeria, the league failed to capture the attention of the public. There were no broadcast partners to the NPFL, and the few broadcasts from local broadcast stations often lacked the quality expected by viewers. The disjointed management of teams, coaches, and the league itself further exacerbated these issues, leading to disharmony and a lack of cohesion.
Amidst this challenging scenario, GTI Asset Management & Trust Ltd took a bold step towards revitalizing the NPFL.
On March 22, 2022, GTI officially unveiled The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF), a mutual fund designed to serve as a financial backbone for the league. This strategic move marked the beginning of a new era for the NPFL, where financial stability and sustainable growth became achievable goals.
The TNFF was not just a financial tool; it was a statement of intent from GTI. By creating a dedicated fund for football, GTI demonstrated its commitment to energizing the league and providing a platform for football lovers to invest in the future of Nigerian football. This initiative was instrumental in restoring trust within the football ecosystem, as it provided a transparent and accountable framework for managing the league’s finances.
GTI’s involvement in the NPFL has gone beyond financial contributions. The firm has played a pivotal role in harmonizing the football ecosystem and making it more attractive to sponsors. By addressing the trust deficit and ensuring proper management of the league’s assets, GTI has laid the groundwork for increased sponsorship opportunities.
One of the most significant developments under GTI’s stewardship has been the enhancement of the NPFL’s brand visibility. The partnership with Propel Sports Africa has enabled easy live streaming of NPFL matches on the OTT platform, making it more accessible to football fans both within and outside Nigeria. Additionally, the NPFL partnership with StarTimes has ensured that live television broadcasts of NPFL matches are now a regular feature, further boosting the league’s profile on DTT and DTH platforms.
Finally, GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited’s strategic intervention in the NPFL has been nothing short of transformative. By addressing the deep-seated issues that plagued the league, GTI has not only restored trust in the football ecosystem but has also created a sustainable platform for growth.
The unveiling of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) marked the beginning of a new chapter for the NPFL, one where financial stability, sponsorship, and visibility are no longer distant dreams but achievable realities.
As GTI continues its journey with the NPFL, the future of Nigerian football looks brighter than ever. With a solid foundation in place, the elite league is poised to reclaim its rightful place as a profitable and viable asset, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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