Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman takes charge of NPFL operations as Nigeria’s top-flight league begins its 2026/27 campaign amid NFF restructuring

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, with the appointment taking effect on Friday, August 28, 2026, as the 2026/27 season got underway.

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The appointment was announced by the NFF on Friday, the same day Shooting Stars hosted newly promoted Inter Lagos in the opening fixture of the new NPFL campaign at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Abdulrahaman will oversee the operational administration of the NPFL as clubs begin their pursuit of the league title, continental qualification and top-flight survival.

The NFF said the appointment took immediate effect.

The development forms part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s football administration initiated by the federation this week.

On Thursday, August 27, the NFF directed all board members and chief executive officers of the various leagues, as well as chief operating officers who were not members of the federation’s staff, to vacate their positions.

The directive signalled a significant shake-up of the league management structure as the new football season began.

Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme was also appointed interim General Secretary of the NFF on Thursday as part of the changes.

Ikpeme subsequently confirmed Abdulrahaman’s appointment, saying the decision was made in accordance with the federation’s restructuring directive.

Abdulrahaman now assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operational coordination of the NPFL at a crucial point for Nigerian domestic football.

The timing of the appointment means the new COO will begin his tenure as clubs return to competitive action and the league enters another campaign under heightened expectations over administration, commercial development and competition standards.

The 2026/27 season opened in Ibadan with Shooting Stars taking on Inter Lagos, who secured promotion to the NPFL after their campaign in the second tier.

The opening fixture provided an early test for both sides, with Shooting Stars seeking a strong start on home soil and Inter Lagos beginning life in Nigeria’s top flight.

Across the season, the clubs will compete for the championship, places in continental competitions and continued participation in the NPFL.

Abdulrahaman’s appointment is therefore expected to place him at the centre of efforts to ensure smooth league operations as the campaign unfolds.

The latest changes also come after a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the NFF facing pressure over the administration of the country’s leagues and national teams.

The federation’s decision to combine the restructuring of its secretariat with changes in league management suggests an effort to establish a more streamlined administrative structure.

With Ikpeme serving as interim General Secretary and Abdulrahaman taking charge of NPFL operations, the federation is entering the new season with a revamped management arrangement.

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The coming months will show whether the changes can translate into stronger league administration and a more stable operating environment for NPFL clubs.