Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), recently shared exclusive insights into the league’s remarkable success during the 2024/2025 season. In an interview with Completesports.com, Elegbeleye attributed the achievements to
“determination, a commitment to doing the right things to move Nigerian football forward,”
and working with a dedicated team of staff who were sincere and honest.
The NPFL has faced longstanding challenges over the years, including structural and logistical issues that impeded its smooth operation. One major obstacle was the inability to set fixed kick-off and season end dates consistently. However, after 46 years since its inception in 1979, the league overcame these hurdles as the 2024/2025 season concluded successfully on May 25th, aligning with major European leagues like the English Premier League (EPL).
Elegbeleye emphasized that their success was driven by unwavering determination and a collective vision to elevate Nigerian football. He highlighted the importance of having a competent and dedicated management team sharing a common goal of excellence. According to Elegbeleye,
“It’s all about determination…to give the Nigeria League the best…I’m happy Nigerians can be proud of their league.”
Acknowledging that progress often comes with challenges, Elegbeleye pointed out that obstacles were inevitable during their journey to success. He stressed the significance of staying focused on goals and maintaining commitment amidst adversities. Reflecting on resistance to change within established systems, he remarked,
“There are many who don’t want things done differently simply because they are feeding fat on [the] old system.”
One notable improvement highlighted by Elegbeleye was in officiating standards within NPFL matches. He commended Nigerian referees for their enhanced performance during the season, noting positive changes that have earned recognition at international competitions like CAF events. The NPFL boss credited efforts by institutions like NFF for supporting referee development initiatives which resulted in improved match officiating quality.
At the close of the 2024/2025 season, teams such as Heartland, Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and Lobi Stars faced relegation while Remo Stars clinched victory as champions. Remo Stars’ triumph was rewarded with a cash prize of ₦200 million—a testament to NPFL’s commitment towards incentivizing success and promoting healthy competition within Nigerian football.
Looking ahead to future seasons, particularly at what lies ahead in 2025/2026,Elegbeleye remained optimistic yet cryptic stating: “When we get to [it], we will cross [it].
” This enigmatic response hints at strategic plans in place poised for further advancements while maintaining focus on sustaining positive momentum within NPFL operations.
In conclusion,Elegbeleyeprovidesinsightful reflectionsandoptimisticprojectionsfortheNigeriaPremierFootballLeagueasitharnessesdetermination,sincerity,andinnovationtopushNigerianfootballontoanexcitingpathofgrowthanddevelopment.”
‘We’reonlywaitingtogettothebridgebecausewealreadyknowhowwecancrossit,’”sumsuphisforward-lookingapproachastheleaguepaveswayforanexcitingfutureinNigeria’ssportslandscape
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