NPFL admits newly promoted clubs at induction workshop

Clubs that gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) from the Nigeria National League (NNL) were formally admitted to the 20-club forum at an induction session held in Abuja on Friday, June 26.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Prince Davidson Owumi seized the occasion to familiarise the clubs’ Chairmen and General Managers on the operations of the elite league and provided them copies of the NPFL Frameworks and Rules.

The event effectively kick-started activities for the 2026/27 season which has been scheduled to commence in August, on a date to be announced at the meeting of the NPFL Board and the 20 clubs on Tuesday.

The induction for Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United and Ranchers Bees, focused primarily on club licensing and the operational requirements expected of teams competing in Nigeria’s elite football league. The initiative is designed to ensure that promoted clubs fully understood the league’s regulations before the new campaign begins.

Owumi told the media representatives that the workshop was necessary to help clubs assess whether they possess the required infrastructure and resources needed to compete in the league.

“The programme was organised purposely for orientation, induction and as well get acquainted with how club licensing works to forestall future challenges”, the NPFL COO explained.

He also said that after the orientation, the clubs would be in a position to identify areas requiring improvement before the season kicks off.

On the enforcement of club licensing regulations, Owumi said “we will ensure strict adherence to the rules of the league and sanctions will be imposed on the erring teams most especially in the area of security breaches, infrastructures,  administration and others.”

Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC, Godwin Enakhena, described the workshop as highly beneficial, noting that despite the club’s return to the top flight, the seminar provided valuable insights into key aspects of the league’s framework.

Representatives of all four promoted clubs Doma United, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, Inter Lagos FC and Sporting Lagos FC participated in the workshop.

The NPFL is also expected to hold a meeting with all 20 clubs on Tuesday as preparations intensify for the commencement of the 2026/27 season.