NFF Extends NPFL, NNL, NLO Board Tenures Until September 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially approved the extension of the tenures of the boards overseeing the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) until September 29, 2026.

The decision was reached at a recent meeting of the NFF Executive Committee, and aligns the new expiration date with the end of the current administration led by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON).

The boards affected by the extension are led by:

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye – Chairman, NPFL Board Chief George Aluo – Chairman, NNL Board His Excellency Silas Ali Agara – Chairman, NLO Board.

These executives were initially appointed on July 1, 2023, for a two-year term expected to run until June 30, 2025. The new extension grants them an additional 15 months, reflecting the NFF’s satisfaction with their performance thus far.

In a statement, the NFF commended the three boards for their efforts in stabilising league operations, enhancing competitiveness, and driving structural improvements in Nigeria’s domestic football ecosystem. The federation urged them to build on these achievements and continue working towards raising the standard and marketability of the leagues.

“The NFF acknowledges the positive contributions made by the current league boards and expects even greater strides over the next phase of their tenure,” the statement read.

However, the NFF deferred a decision regarding the board of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), chaired by Ms. Nkechi Nneka Obi, with discussions on that front postponed to a later date.

The extension comes at a pivotal time, as the 2025/26 football season looms, and clubs across all tiers intensify preparations for pre-season and player registrations. It also reflects the NFF’s strategy of ensuring administrative continuity and operational stability ahead of major league and national football development initiatives.

With several critical reforms under discussion, including improved league funding, enhanced broadcasting rights deals, and expanded youth development programs, the NFF’s decision signals a vote of confidence in the leadership of the existing league structures.

Observers see the extension as an opportunity for the respective boards to consolidate on recent gains—particularly in areas such as:

Club licensing and infrastructure improvement Refereeing standards and matchday officiating Commercial partnerships and media visibility League calendar integrity and fixture management.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is expected to kick off its new season in August, while the NNL and NLO are finalising logistics for their upcoming campaigns.