The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has been removed from his position less than 24 hours before the kickoff of the new NPFL season.
His removal is part of a major shake-up in Nigerian football following the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
The National Sports Commission has endorsed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, the former Deputy General Secretary of the NFF, to oversee the NFF Secretariat as Acting General Secretary.
Dr Ademola Olajire, the former Director of Media and Communications, has also been appointed Acting Deputy General Secretary.
The latest changes have also affected the leadership of Nigeria’s domestic leagues.
The Chairmen appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the NPFL, Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the running of their leagues to their respective Chief Operating Officers.
Where a COO is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary will appoint a new COO from within the federation.
Before the directive, the leagues were headed by:
– NPFL: Gbenga Elegbeleye
– NNL: George Aluo
– NWFL: Nkechi Nneka Obi
Elegbeleye’s removal comes at a particularly significant time, with the NPFL season due to begin in less than 24 hours.
The National Sports Commission said the interim measures are aimed at ensuring continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during the transition.
The NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September has also been suspended.
A new electoral process will commence after the planned comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, which will be carried out in consultation with FIFA, CAF, the government and other stakeholders.
The reforms are expected to cover the administration and governance of Nigerian football as the authorities work towards a new roadmap for the game.
Further changes and directives are expected in the coming days.
