Manchester United are prepared to send Nigerian-eligible striker Chido Obi-Martin out on loan this summer as part of the club's plans to accelerate his development, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Red Devils are reportedly keen on securing a move for the highly rated youngster to a club in continental Europe, believing such an environment would provide a more suitable pathway to regular senior football than a loan spell in the English Football League.

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, United's coaching staff have concluded that the talented forward is not yet ready for consistent Premier League action and would benefit from regular first-team minutes in a less physically demanding league.

The report adds that the club wants Obi-Martin to continue his development in a tactical setting where he can gain valuable experience while avoiding the intense physical demands associated with Championship football.

The teenager currently faces stiff competition for attacking places at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all ahead of him in the senior pecking order.

Obi-Martin featured for Manchester United during their 5-0 pre-season victory over Rosenborg, coming off the bench to play the final 30 minutes. However, he was not included in the squad for the club's subsequent friendly victory over Atlético Madrid.

The highly rated striker joined Manchester United towards the end of 2024 after leaving Arsenal's academy and has since emerged as one of the club's most exciting young attacking prospects.

Premier League newcomers Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City are all interested in signing England-born Nigerian midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Everton, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

According to talkSPORT, Everton are now willing to listen to offers for the 23-year-old following their recent midfield reinforcements during the summer transfer window.

The Toffees have already completed the permanent signings of Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl, while Arsenal midfielder Christian Nørgaard is expected to become their fourth addition after Everton agreed a deal worth around £7 million. The Danish international is scheduled to undergo a medical on Tuesday.

Nørgaard has been recruited to replace Idrissa Gana Gueye, whose contract expired at the end of last season, a move that could significantly reduce Iroegbunam's opportunities at Goodison Park.

Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City have all made enquiries about the midfielder, although formal bids are yet to be submitted. Those offers are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Interest in Iroegbunam is not limited to England, with two Italian clubs also monitoring his situation ahead of the new season.

With just one year remaining on his Everton contract, the Merseyside club are prepared to cash in now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. While a loan move remains a possibility, Everton would only consider such an arrangement if it includes an obligation to buy.

Although reports have valued the midfielder at around £20 million, that figure has not been officially confirmed.

Iroegbunam began his career at West Bromwich Albion before joining Aston Villa in 2021, initially featuring for the club's Under-23 side. He made his Premier League debut in February 2022 as a substitute in Villa's 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The midfielder moved to Everton in June 2024 on a three-year contract in a deal reported to be worth around £9 million.

At international level, Iroegbunam has represented England at youth level, receiving his first call-up to the Under-20 squad in March 2022 for matches against Poland and Germany.

French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims have completed the signing of promising Nigerian defender Godwin Itotomi from Grassrunners FC on a season-long loan, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The agreement includes an option for the French club to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.

The 18-year-old centre-back will initially join Stade de Reims' youth setup, where he is expected to continue his development before progressing to the reserve team and, ultimately, the senior squad.

Itotomi earned the move after impressing the club's coaching staff during a successful trial, with his composed displays, defensive intelligence and physical presence convincing the French outfit to offer him a contract.

During the trial period, the highly rated defender featured in friendly matches against European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Eintracht Frankfurt, delivering assured performances that highlighted his potential.

His impressive displays also earned him opportunities to train and play with Stade de Reims' reserve side, reinforcing the club's belief in his ability to develop into a first-team player.

The move marks another important milestone in Itotomi's career as he begins his journey in European football and looks to follow in the footsteps of several Nigerian players who have excelled in France.

Portuguese women's football champions Benfica Feminino have completed the signing of Super Falcons forward Flourish Sebastian on a three-year contract, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian international joins the Portuguese giants as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and their domestic and European campaigns.

Sebastian's move represents another major milestone in her career, with the highly rated forward expected to bring pace, creativity and attacking quality to Benfica's frontline.

The three-year agreement underlines Benfica's confidence in the Super Falcons star, whose consistent performances for both club and country have earned widespread recognition.

The Portuguese champions will be hoping Sebastian's arrival enhances their chances of defending their domestic titles while also making a significant impact in European competition during the new campaign.

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi added another trophy to his growing collection after helping FC Porto edge Torreense 1-0 to win the Portuguese Super Cup at the Estádio Cidade de Coimbra, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The victory secured Porto a record-extending 25th Portuguese Super Cup title and the club's 88th major trophy, reinforcing its position as the most successful team in Portuguese football history, one title ahead of rivals Benfica.

Danish midfielder Victor Froholdt scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, rising to head home a pinpoint cross from captain Pepê in the traditional curtain-raiser to the Portuguese football season.

Sanusi featured for the entire 90 minutes and delivered a composed defensive display as Porto controlled much of the contest. The Nigerian left-back completed 84 percent of his passes, maintained a perfect tackle success rate, and played a key role in ensuring the Dragons opened the new campaign with silverware.

The triumph represents Sanusi's fourth Portuguese Super Cup title since joining Porto from Santa Clara in 2020.

It also takes the 29-year-old's tally to 10 major trophies with the Portuguese giants, comprising two Primeira Liga titles, four Portuguese Super Cups, two Taça de Portugal crowns, and two Taça da Liga trophies.

The latest success further cements Sanusi's place among Nigeria's most decorated footballers at club level. With 10 major honours, he now trails only Nwankwo Kanu, who won 14 senior club trophies, and John Obi Mikel, who lifted 12 during his distinguished career.

Having celebrated another piece of silverware, Sanusi will now shift his focus to the 2026/27 Primeira Liga campaign as Porto target another league title and a strong run in European competition.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, are assured of a financial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), even if they are eliminated in the preliminary rounds, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

CAF has confirmed that every club knocked out during the qualifying stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000.

The initiative is part of the continental governing body's efforts to strengthen African club football by providing financial assistance to participating teams and encouraging greater involvement in its premier inter-club competitions.

As a result, Nigeria's four representatives will each be eligible for the financial support should their campaigns end in the opening qualifying rounds.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in clubs across Africa, stressing that more teams should benefit from the governing body's growing commercial success and football development programmes.

The solidarity payments are expected to ease the financial burden on participating clubs, improve their operational capacity, and enhance their competitiveness on the continental stage as CAF continues to expand support for African club football.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target as Galatasaray fought to a 3-3 draw against French side Rennes in an entertaining pre-season friendly on Sunday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward opened the scoring in the 18th minute, handing the Turkish champions an early advantage with another composed finish.

Rennes responded nine minutes later through Esteban Lepaul, who levelled the contest before halftime to leave both sides evenly poised at the break.

Galatasaray regained the lead shortly after the restart when Gabriel Sara found the back of the net in the 49th minute.

However, Lepaul proved unstoppable for the French club, restoring parity in the 58th minute before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot three minutes later to put Rennes ahead.

Just when it appeared Galatasaray were heading for another pre-season defeat, Bar?? Y?lmaz converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 94th minute to rescue a 3-3 draw.

The result means Galatasaray remain without a victory in their three pre-season matches, having previously suffered defeats to Monza and Venezia.

The Turkish champions will conclude their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with a friendly against Spanish side Villarreal next Saturday before opening the defence of their Super Lig title at home against Çorum.

Osimhen will be hoping to carry his impressive scoring form into the new season after finishing the 2025/26 league campaign with 15 goals and five assists in 22 appearances, helping Galatasaray secure a second consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their pursuit of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The North London club have reportedly received internal approval to open formal negotiations for the Nigerian international and are confident that agreeing personal terms with the prolific forward will not present a significant obstacle.

Osimhen, who is currently with Turkish champions Galatasaray, remains one of Europe's most sought-after strikers after another outstanding campaign.

Galatasaray are understood to value the 27-year-old at around £65 million, while Tottenham's initial offers are believed to be between £50 million and £55 million.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as Spurs attempt to close the valuation gap and complete a deal for the Nigerian star before the transfer window closes.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, will learn their preliminary round opponents on Thursday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the official draws in Cairo, Egypt, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The draws for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will be held at CAF headquarters on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time (11:00 GMT), while the CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time (12:00 GMT).

Rangers International and Rivers United will fly Nigeria's flag in the CAF Champions League after securing top finishes in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season.

Shooting Stars and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for all four Nigerian clubs as they begin their campaigns in pursuit of continental glory during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season.

The semi-final line-up for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship has been confirmed, with defending champions Nigeria set for a blockbuster clash against hosts Côte d'Ivoire, while Burkina Faso will take on Niger Republic for the other place in the final, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Group A winners Côte d'Ivoire will face Group B runners-up Nigeria, while Group B champions Burkina Faso will battle Group A runners-up Niger Republic. Both semi-final fixtures will be played on Wednesday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.

Burkina Faso topped Group B with seven points after recording two wins and one draw from three matches. Nigeria finished second with six points, having defeated Ghana and Togo before falling 2-0 to Burkina Faso in their final group-stage encounter.

Ghana and Togo were eliminated after finishing third and fourth respectively in Group B.

Group B Final Standings

Burkina Faso – 7 points

Nigeria – 6 points

Ghana – 2 points

Togo – 1 point

Group B Results

Nigeria 4-2 Ghana

Nigeria 3-0 Togo

Burkina Faso 2-0 Nigeria

Ghana 1-1 Burkina Faso

Ghana 0-0 Togo

In Group A, hosts Côte d'Ivoire maintained a flawless record, winning both of their matches to finish with the maximum six points. Niger Republic claimed the second qualification spot with three points after registering one win and one defeat, while Benin Republic exited the tournament without a point after losing both fixtures.

The Young Elephants advanced to the last four with disciplined and efficient displays that reinforced their status as one of the favourites to win the title. Niger Republic also booked a place in the semi-finals after showing resilience throughout the group stage.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, the four remaining teams will battle for a place in the final, while the two finalists will also secure qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigerian midfielder Daniel Daga continued his impressive return to form by scoring in his second consecutive Eliteserien match, but Molde were denied victory after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Sarpsborg 08 at the Aker Stadion on Sunday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 19-year-old, who found the net in Molde's comeback victory over KFUM Oslo last weekend, delivered another standout performance as he continued to cement his place in the first team.

Molde made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute through Sondre Milian Granaas. However, Sarpsborg restored parity before halftime when Daniel Seland Karlsbakk finished off a move created by Claus Niyukuri in the 34th minute.

The visitors completed the turnaround seven minutes after the restart as Andreas Nibe found the net to put Sarpsborg 2-1 ahead.

Molde responded almost immediately, with Eirik Hestad converting Emil Breivik's cross in the 57th minute to level the score and swing the momentum back in the hosts' favour.

Just three minutes later, Breivik turned provider again as Daga rose highest to power home a superb header, giving Molde a 3-2 lead and recording his second goal in as many league matches.

The Nigerian midfielder's impressive outing ended in the 74th minute when he was substituted for Mathias Fjørtoft Løvik after another energetic display in midfield.

Molde looked set to claim all three points until deep into stoppage time when goalkeeper Albert Posiadala accidentally turned the ball into his own net, gifting Sarpsborg a dramatic late equaliser.

Although the draw will feel like two points dropped for Molde, Daga's recent performances offer plenty of encouragement. With goals in back-to-back league games and growing influence in midfield, the Nigerian teenager is showing the form that has long marked him out as one of the country's brightest young prospects.

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare made an immediate impact on his Ajax debut by finding the net in the Dutch club's 3-1 pre-season victory over FC Volendam at the Kras Stadion on Sunday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles forward came off the bench in the 71st minute to replace Marcos Leonardo and wasted little time announcing himself. He capitalised on a defensive error inside the Volendam penalty area, calmly slotting home after a misplaced clearance to complete the scoring.

Ajax had already established control of the contest through earlier goals from Anton Gaaei and Leonardo before Arokodare's late strike wrapped up an impressive victory for the Amsterdam giants.

The 25-year-old recently joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Eredivisie club retaining an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.

His goal marked a promising start to life in the Netherlands after a difficult spell in England. Arokodare moved to Wolves from Belgian side Racing Genk in a £24 million deal in September 2025 following an outstanding run that produced 31 league goals in 79 appearances.

However, he struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in 33 appearances as Wolves were relegated to the Championship.

His exit from Molineux was also surrounded by controversy after Wolves accused the Nigerian of disrupting training during transfer negotiations. Arokodare dismissed the claims, insisting he had remained professional throughout the process.

"Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards."

Ajax will be hoping the striker can rediscover the prolific form he displayed in Belgium as they prepare for the 2026/27 season. The Dutch giants finished fifth in the Eredivisie last term and are aiming to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League through the qualifying play-offs.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has completed his move to German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt from Belgian champions Club Brugge, signing a five-year contract in a deal worth an initial €9 million, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old has committed his future to the Bundesliga side until June 2031 and will wear the No. 25 shirt as he begins a new chapter in Germany after an impressive spell in Belgium.

Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director Markus Krösche expressed his delight at securing the Nigerian international, highlighting the qualities that made him a priority target.

“Raphael Onyedika impresses us not only with his robustness and strategic understanding of the game, but above all with his exceptional consistency. He has been a regular starter for several years and has celebrated numerous titles in Belgium. Furthermore, he possesses valuable international experience.

“At 25 years old, he still has great potential for development and is also an important building block for the structure of our squad.”

Onyedika leaves Club Brugge after establishing himself as one of the Belgian Pro League's standout midfielders, playing a key role in the club's domestic success while earning recognition for his commanding performances.

The transfer marks the next step in the Nigerian's career as he prepares for his first experience in the Bundesliga, where he is expected to strengthen Frankfurt's midfield ahead of the new season.

Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche has revealed the reasons behind the club's decision to sign Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, describing the Nigerian as a player who perfectly fits the Bundesliga side's long-term plans, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Krösche praised the 25-year-old's consistency, tactical intelligence and winning mentality, insisting those qualities made him the ideal addition to Frankfurt's midfield.

"Raphael Onyedika impresses us not only with his robustness and strategic understanding of the game, but above all with his exceptional consistency," Krösche said.

"He has been a regular starter for several years and has celebrated numerous titles in Belgium. Furthermore, he possesses valuable international experience."

The Frankfurt sporting director also highlighted the midfielder's age profile and room for further improvement, believing he will become an important part of the club's future.

"At 25 years old, he still has great potential for development and is also an important building block for the structure of our squad."

Onyedika joins the Bundesliga outfit after establishing himself as one of the Belgian Pro League's standout midfielders during his time with Club Brugge, where he won multiple domestic honours and gained valuable European experience.

The Nigerian international is expected to play a key role for Eintracht Frankfurt as the club prepares for the 2026/27 season, with high expectations that he will strengthen their midfield both domestically and in European competition.

Serie A side Monza have officially announced the signing of Nigeria international Ebenezer Akinsanmiro on loan from Inter Milan, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Italian club confirmed the transfer in a statement on their official website, revealing that the deal includes an obligation to make the move permanent once specific conditions are met.

"Ebenezer Ajodun Akinsanmiro is a new Monza player," the club announced.

"The midfielder joins from FC Internazionale Milano on a temporary basis, with an obligation to buy upon the fulfilment of specific conditions."

Monza also highlighted the 21-year-old's football journey, which began in the youth ranks of Nigerian club Remo Stars before he earned promotion to the first team at an early age.

His impressive performances at the 2022 Viareggio Tournament with Alex Transfiguration Academy, where he scored three goals, attracted the attention of Inter Milan, who secured his signature in January 2023.

After joining the Nerazzurri's Primavera side, Akinsanmiro quickly established himself as one of the team's standout performers, registering six goals and two assists during the 2023/24 campaign.

His rapid development earned him a senior debut for Inter in a Serie A fixture against Lecce on February 25, 2024, before he celebrated the Scudetto title with the club later that season.

The Nigerian midfielder subsequently gained valuable first-team experience during loan spells at Sampdoria and Pisa.

He featured 38 times for Sampdoria across Serie B and the Coppa Italia, contributing one goal and one assist, before returning to the top flight with Pisa, where he made 25 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season.

Akinsanmiro also made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Egypt on December 16, 2025.

Monza described the midfielder as a player blessed with excellent technical ability and athleticism, expressing confidence that he will make a significant impact as he begins a new chapter with the Biancorossi.

Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma has completed a free transfer to Italian Serie A club Frosinone after signing a two-year contract with the Canarini, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The agreement will keep the experienced centre-back at the club until June 30, 2028, as he begins a new chapter in his career following his departure from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.

Akpoguma became a free agent at the end of last season after bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year spell with Hoffenheim, where he established himself as one of the club's most dependable defenders.

The 31-year-old will now play outside Germany for the first time in his professional career, having joined Hoffenheim from Karlsruher SC in 2013.

During his time with Die Kraichgauer, Akpoguma made 175 Bundesliga appearances, scoring three goals, while also gaining valuable experience during loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96.

Born in Germany, the versatile defender represented the country at several youth levels before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2020.

Since committing his future to the Super Eagles, Akpoguma has earned eight international caps and will be aiming to reignite his national team career with consistent performances in Serie A.

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala was named Player of the Match after delivering a match-winning performance in Nigeria's crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced striker scored the only goal of the contest in the eighth minute, helping the defending champions secure a vital three points and revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Oshoala caused constant problems for the Zambian defence throughout the encounter with her pace, intelligent movement, and effective hold-up play, proving to be Nigeria's biggest attacking threat.

The Super Falcons were forced to play with 10 players for more than half of the match after defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card in the 40th minute, but Oshoala's early strike proved enough to seal the win.

With Malawi leading Group C on six points, Nigeria must now defeat Egypt in their final group fixture to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals. A draw could leave the Super Falcons vulnerable to being overtaken by Zambia on goal difference, depending on the outcome of the group's other match.

Oshoala once again underlined her importance to the national team, adding another memorable performance to a career that has seen her become one of the most decorated players in African women's football.

The six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year continues to spearhead Nigeria's attack, combining her experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability as the Super Falcons pursue a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.

Nigeria's Super Falcons produced a resilient display to defeat Zambia 1-0 despite playing with 10 women for much of the match, reviving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions struck early at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with six-time African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute.

Oshoala burst past two defenders before seeing her initial effort saved by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. However, the rebound ricocheted off the Nigerian forward and rolled into the net to hand the Super Falcons an early advantage.

Nigeria's task became significantly more difficult five minutes before half-time when defender Blessing Demehin was shown a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda as the last defender.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Super Falcons defended resolutely to preserve their slender lead and secure a crucial three points.

The result leaves Group C finely poised after two rounds of matches, with Malawi leading the standings on six points, while Nigeria and Zambia are level on three points each. Egypt remain without a point heading into the final round of group fixtures.

Nigeria will now face Egypt in a must-win encounter on Wednesday, while Malawi and Zambia will battle for the other qualification spot in an all-southern African showdown.

Earlier in the day, Malawi continued their remarkable debut campaign with a 3-1 victory over Egypt to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.

Rose Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute after being set up by Temwa Chawinga, before Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi's advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.

Although Malawi were reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute after Rose Alufandika received a straight red card for a last-defender challenge on Habiba Essam, they extended their lead through Temwa Chawinga in the 69th minute.

The Kansas City Current forward capitalised on a race for the ball with Egyptian goalkeeper Maha Shehata before heading into an unguarded net.

Egypt pulled a goal back two minutes later through Eman Kassem, who headed home a free-kick to score her country's first goal of the tournament, but it proved only a consolation as Malawi claimed another famous victory.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars have completed the signing of Benin Republic international goalkeeper Serge Obassa following his departure from reigning champions Remo Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Obassa, who played a vital role in Remo Stars' successful league title-winning campaign, has penned a one-year contract with the Sai Masu Gida ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The experienced goalkeeper remains in the Nigerian top flight as he embarks on a new chapter with the Kano-based club, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

His arrival is expected to bolster Kano Pillars' goalkeeping department as the club continues to strengthen its team in preparation for the new campaign.

Obassa leaves Ikenne after helping Remo Stars secure their historic NPFL title and will now be aiming to replicate that success with Kano Pillars as they seek to challenge for domestic honours in the upcoming season.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has reinforced its partnership with Afrinvest to accelerate digital transformation, boost commercial capacity, and help clubs achieve sustainable revenue growth, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during the NPFL–Afrinvest Media and Marketing Workshop held in Enugu, where media officers and marketing executives from all 20 NPFL clubs received training on branding, digital visibility, sponsorship acquisition, and fan engagement.

Held under the theme, "The Role of Marketing and Media Officers in Generating Wealth for Professional Football Clubs," the workshop emphasized the importance of reducing clubs' dependence on government funding by developing stronger digital platforms, generating reliable data, and building commercially attractive brands.

Addressing participants, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owunmi urged clubs to embrace digital innovation, stressing that poor online visibility and inadequate data continue to hinder the league's ability to attract major commercial partners.

"After the broadcast rights today, the next money-spinning or revenue-generating resource is data. We need to tell ourselves the open truth today. We have ongoing contracts, but do you know what they ask of us? 'What is your data? Where is your data for the league?' We don't have it," Owunmi said.

He called on every club to consistently produce quality content and statistical data to strengthen the league's central database.

"We need our clubs to be visible. We need your presence in the social space. We need all the clubs generating data because the NPFL only archives what you generate. If we have 20 active Premier League teams generating data from their clubs, it makes our website very rich," he added.

Owunmi also challenged clubs to pursue financial sustainability rather than relying solely on government allocations.

"You cannot just depend on the government continuously. A dead media department is a dead club. A dead marketing unit is a dead club. We want our clubs to be healthy financially. Enough is enough. You cannot be doing the same thing repeatedly and expect a different result," he stated.

Afrinvest's Enugu Office Manager, Emmanuel Eleojo, explained that the company's collaboration with the NPFL is built on its "Finance Meets Football" philosophy, which seeks to combine sound financial management with football development.

"For us at Afrinvest, internally, there is this philosophy we call 'Finance Meets Football'. That is how we have tagged our intervention with our partnership with Rangers International and now the NPFL. The success of the Nigerian football league is not only about what happens on the pitch but also the strength of those behind the institutions and clubs," Eleojo said.

Rangers International General Manager Amobi Ezeaku commended both Afrinvest and the NPFL for organising the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving the financial future of Nigerian clubs.

"I appreciate Afrinvest for agreeing to sponsor this workshop that is about to change our financial status as a league. We want to see our clubs' jerseys all over the country. Media officers and marketing directors should be our backbone in terms of revenue generation," Ezeaku remarked.

One of the workshop's lead facilitators, George Isitua-Onukwu, encouraged clubs to adopt structured commercial strategies, including a 12-month marketing calendar with clearly defined timelines for sponsorship renewals, activations, and reporting.

He noted that clubs with organised commercial plans are better positioned to build stronger brands, attract sponsors, and generate sustainable long-term revenue.