NFF Appoints Abdulrahaman as New NPFL Chief as Season Opens

The Nigeria Football Federation has named Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League. This announcement came as the 2026/27 season started on Friday.

The NFF made the announcement on the same day the new NPFL season kicked off. The opening match featured Shooting Stars playing against newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

The federation said Abdulrahaman’s appointment starts immediately.

This decision followed a directive from NFF on Thursday, August 27. The directive asked all board members and CEOs of different leagues, as well as COOs who are not part of NFF staff, to leave their positions.

This move is part of the NFF’s ongoing efforts to restructure its management and league administration.

On Thursday, the NFF also named Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as the interim General Secretary.

Ikpeme confirmed Abdulrahaman’s appointment. He said it aligns with the federation’s directive.

Abdulrahaman will now manage the NPFL’s operations as clubs start their new season campaigns.

The first match in Ibadan had Shooting Stars facing Inter Lagos as the NPFL kicked off across the country.

This season, clubs will compete for the league title, spots in continental competitions, and to avoid relegation as the season moves forward.

This appointment comes just a day after the NFF chose Ikpeme as the interim General Secretary. This was part of the restructuring that asked some members of the federation’s management and secretariat to step down, PUNCH Online reports.