NPFL Holds Orientation Workshop for Newly Promoted Clubs Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will today hold a one-day orientation and induction workshop for the four clubs promoted to the top flight ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The workshop took place at The Harbour Hotel, Plot 812, by the Old Dunamis Church Building, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The session is designed to acquaint the newly promoted clubs with the operational requirements, regulations and standards of the NPFL as they prepare for life in Nigeria’s top-flight league. Club chairmen and general managers are expected to participate in the programme.
Discussions focused on key areas including club licensing regulations, financial sustainability, contractual obligations to players and staff, infrastructure, governance and administrative standards. Participating clubs also received copies of the league’s frameworks and rules while engaging in interactive sessions to seek clarification on league operations.
The orientation workshop marks the first in a series of pre-season activities lined up by the NPFL as preparations gather pace for the commencement of the 2026/27 campaign.
During an interview with journalist the Chief Operating Officer Prince Davidson Owumi said that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has fixed the workshop early enough to allow clubs prepare adequately as required by the global football standards.
Owumi explained that the workshop for newly promoted clubs was designed to break down the league’s rules and licensing requirements into simple, practical terms so club officials clearly understand what is expected before the new season begins. He said the orientation would eliminate excuses of ignorance by ensuring every club is fully informed about operational standards, regulations and responsibilities.
Responding to concerns about whether all four promoted clubs would eventually meet the league’s requirements, he said the NPFL would not be discouraged by the possibility that some clubs might fail to qualify. According to him, the workshop gives clubs enough time to assess their readiness before the season starts. Those unable to meet the standards can withdraw early, while those that comply will remain in the league.
On common deficiencies among promoted clubs, he noted that it was too early to identify specific shortcomings since the clubs had only just begun the orientation. He stressed that the current focus is education, with compliance to be assessed in the coming weeks.
He also reaffirmed that the NPFL would continue enforcing strict sanctions on clubs with substandard stadiums, security or medical facilities. Clubs that fail to meet infrastructure requirements will be relocated to approved venues until they comply with league standards.
