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.

Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdallah has trimmed his squad by releasing six players following the club's 1-0 defeat to Rangers in a pre-season friendly in Asaba, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Seasiders fielded a revamped starting XI for the encounter, with nine new signings handed opportunities to impress. Those who started included goalkeeper Miracle UK Alike, Sani Ahmed, Okon Samuel, Wisdom Tom, George Ekong, Alex Aguodoh, Town Eventus and Auwa Abubakar.

As the game progressed, Abdallah also assessed several players from the bench, introducing Blessing Ndubuisi, Kennedy Osamudiame, Ita Peters, Yusuf Omotayo, Christian Mayoku, Daniel Ezegbu and Emmanuel Utuyo at various stages of the contest.

Following his evaluation of the team's display, the coach decided to part ways with six players, explaining that the decision was based on their performances and suitability to his tactical philosophy.

"Pre-season games serve as an avenue to assess your players' individual performances, their understanding and adaptation to your philosophy, and their ability to blend with the rest of the team.

"And it's after such careful assessment and technical evaluation of the players' contributions to the overall development of the team that you can say, yes, this or that player will or will not be an asset to the team. That's what we've just done," Abdallah said.

The former Katsina United coach, however, declined to disclose the identities of the released players, insisting that doing so could negatively affect their careers or transfer prospects.

"It's not necessary at this point to begin mentioning names. Doing so would affect their careers at their parent clubs or their potential market value. But, in all, six players are affected in this exercise."

With the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season set to kick off next month, Abdallah also appealed to the Delta State Government for increased support as the club continues preparations for the new campaign.

"It's just that we want the state government to support us very, very well, financially and otherwise.

"And I think they have been doing that. But like the proverbial Oliver Twist, we need even more of their maximum support. For now, however, things are moving on well," he concluded.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has secured a place among the world's top 100 football leagues, earning the 82nd spot in the latest global league rankings, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The ranking places the NPFL among Africa's highest-rated domestic competitions, reflecting the league's steady progress in improving its standard, competitiveness, and overall organisation.

England's Premier League retained its position as the world's highest-ranked football league, with Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 completing the global top five.

On the African continent, Morocco's Botola Pro emerged as the highest-ranked league, occupying 40th place globally. Algeria's Ligue 1 followed in 43rd position, while Egypt's Premier League was ranked 47th.

South Africa's Premier Soccer League secured 62nd place, with the NPFL placed 82nd to become one of the continent's leading competitions. Ghana's Premier League followed closely in 83rd position, Senegal's Ligue 1 was ranked 87th, while Zambia's Super League completed Africa's representatives in the top 100 at 95th.

The latest ranking highlights the growing international recognition of the NPFL as stakeholders continue efforts to enhance the quality, professionalism and commercial appeal of Nigeria's top-flight competition.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Barau FC have strengthened their squad with the signing of 14 new players as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Head coach Eugene Agagbe has overseen a busy recruitment drive aimed at building a more competitive squad ahead of the new campaign, which is expected to get underway in August.

Among the headline additions is Christian Egbutudike, who returns to the NPFL following a spell with Albanian club FK Kukesi. The Kano-based club have also secured the services of Al-Amin Umar from Egyptian second-tier side Telecom FC.

Central defender Elvis Obuko has joined from Warri Wolves, while Bayelsa United duo Stephen Wisdom and Energy Kennedy have also completed moves to the Maliya Boys, adding strength to the midfield and attack respectively.

Barau FC have further reinforced their squad with the arrivals of Idris Sa'idu from Niger Tornadoes, Daddy Abdulrahman from El-Kanemi Warriors, Ahmad Liman from Niger Tornadoes, Casmir Azubuike from Abia Warriors, Anthony Omaka from Rivers United, Ajina Boluwatife from ABS Ilorin, Suur Kumaga from Lobi Stars, Adekunle Oluwasegun Samuel from Nasarawa United, and former Wikki Tourists midfielder Nasiru Jubrin.

Speaking on the club's preparations, General Manager and former Super Eagles forward Dominic Iorfa expressed satisfaction with the recruitment process and the progress made so far.

"We started preparations for the coming season three weeks ago. We've brought in quite a number of new players, and now we're trying to blend them together so we can present a better and stronger team for the season," Iorfa said.

Barau FC enjoyed a respectable debut campaign in the NPFL last season, finishing eighth on the table with 52 points after recording 13 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats. The Kano outfit will now be aiming to build on that performance and challenge higher up the standings in the upcoming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kwara United have unveiled 16 new players as part of an ambitious squad overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Harmony Boys also confirmed the renewal of contracts for 14 members of last season's squad as they intensify preparations for a campaign in which they hope to challenge for both the NPFL title and the President Federation Cup.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the club's secretariat in Ilorin, Executive Chairman of the Management Committee, Kumbi Titiloye, explained that the latest additions were recruited to strengthen the squad following the departure of several players whose contracts expired or who opted to continue their careers elsewhere.

"Our objective this coming season is to finish at the top of the league and win every available trophy," Titiloye said.

"We want to win the NPFL title and reclaim the President Federation Cup."

He assured supporters that lessons had been learned from the previous campaign, stressing that the team would approach every fixture with greater focus and determination.

"We are treating every game like a World Cup final. The mistakes of last season will not be repeated," he added, while thanking the Kwara State Government, led by Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their continued support.

The club's new arrivals include goalkeepers Stanley Victor from Kada City and Ouattara Khalifa from Mali's Alemas FC. Defensive reinforcements are Ferinyaro Ali, Peace Dewan, Ada Adamu and Uche Daniel, while Anthony Nnamdi and Emmanuel Ekpeyong strengthen the midfield.

Kwara United also bolstered their attack with the signings of Obed Ponkap, Ajibola Ayomade, Solomon Shoola, Benjamin Jack, Sanni Mohammed, Thomas Omokhafe, Jerry Alex and Gideon Chukwu Stephen.

Meanwhile, the club retained 14 players from last season's squad, including goalkeeper Ayeleso Suraj, alongside Mohammed Alao, Alegbe Muhammed, Kolawole Sheriff, Adeshina Issa Gata, Jeremiah Gabriel Abutu, Okoloko Otega, Ezenabo Somtochwuku, Toyeeb Gidado, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, Ozoh Philip, Nurudeen Badmus, Nyebe Moses and Issa Magaji.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season by adding several experienced Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars to their squad as they gear up for the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt club has secured the services of former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and ex-Abia Warriors defender Imo Obot, who previously earned an invitation to the Super Eagles. Awazie joins as an experienced winger, while Obot is renowned for his proficiency from set-piece situations.

The Pride of Rivers have also completed the signing of defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar from Enyimba as coach Finidi George continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Other new arrivals include former Abia Warriors defender Innocent Gabriel, Kano Pillars centre-back Muktar Mohammed, Plateau United midfielder Chinemerem Ugwueze, Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams, and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who returns to Rivers United after spending the last two seasons with Remo Stars.

The newly recruited players have already joined their teammates in training at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa as preparations intensify for the forthcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

The club is yet to formally unveil the latest additions, with an official announcement expected soon.

"An official statement will be made soon," Rivers United's Head of Media, Charles Mayuku, said when contacted by Complete Sports.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kun Khalifat have continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of four new players ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Owerri-based club confirmed the arrivals of Enyimba midfielder Hogan Umoh, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Chima Deruo, Bendel Insurance central defender Preye Seikrowei and Calabar Rovers defensive midfielder Ediri Ejogharado.

In a statement released by the club's media department, Kun Khalifat disclosed that all four players have completed their moves.

"For now, the four players have signed documents for us. It's already a done deal," the statement read.

The Pride of Imolites are reinforcing their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and are determined to put together a more competitive team for the upcoming campaign.

Head coach Obinna Uzoho is expected to rely on the new additions as Kun Khalifat seek to improve their fortunes and establish themselves in the NPFL during the 2026/27 season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie is closing in on a return to Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced shot-stopper is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Benin City club, with discussions progressing positively as both parties work towards finalising the deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Obasogie previously enjoyed a successful spell with Bendel Insurance, where he established himself as one of the league's standout goalkeepers before moving on to continue his career elsewhere.

His expected return is set to provide a significant boost for Kennedy Boboye's side as they strengthen their squad for the new season.

The 26-year-old would add experience, leadership and quality to the Benin Arsenals' goalkeeping department as the club targets a stronger campaign after narrowly missing out on continental qualification last season.

If the move is completed, Obasogie will also have the opportunity to relaunch his club career in familiar surroundings while continuing his quest to remain in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United have strengthened their squad with the signing of Sierra Leone international goalkeeper Francis Koroma on a free transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old joins the Chanji Boys ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as the club continues to reinforce its squad for the new season.

Koroma arrives with valuable international experience, having represented Sierra Leone at senior level, and is expected to add quality, competition and stability to Katsina United's goalkeeping department.

His arrival is another significant addition for the Chanji Boys as they seek to improve on their performances and enjoy a more successful outing in the forthcoming NPFL season.

The experienced goalkeeper completed the move as a free agent and will now look to establish himself as an important figure in Katsina United's squad during the 2026/27 campaign.

Rivers United have appointed defender Stephen Manyo as the club's new captain ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Manyo will lead the Pride of Rivers into a demanding campaign that includes both domestic competition and the CAF Champions League, where the Port Harcourt-based side will represent Nigeria.

The experienced defender is expected to provide leadership on and off the pitch as Rivers United seek to challenge for honours in the new season.

His appointment comes as the club continues to intensify preparations for another busy campaign following a series of impressive performances in recent years.

Rivers United will be aiming to mount a strong title challenge in the NPFL while also making a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, with Manyo's experience and influence expected to play a vital role in achieving those ambitions.

Rivers United have bolstered their squad with the signing of midfielder Chinemerem Collins Ugwueze from Plateau United ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old, who represented the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup in London, becomes one of the Pride of Rivers' latest additions as the club continues to strengthen its squad for the upcoming campaign.

Ugwueze is expected to bring quality, energy and added depth to the midfield as Rivers United prepare to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts.

With the club set to return to CAF inter-club competition, the Port Harcourt outfit has intensified its recruitment drive to build a squad capable of coping with the demands of a busy season.

The arrival of the former Plateau United midfielder underlines Rivers United's ambition to challenge for major honours in the NPFL while also making a strong impression in continental football.

Ugwueze is expected to play a key role in the club's pursuit of success during the 2026/27 campaign.

Bendel Insurance technical adviser Kennedy Boboye has challenged his players to raise their standards ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season as the club sets its sights on securing a top-three finish, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Benin-based club concluded the 2025/26 campaign in fifth place with 56 points, narrowly missing out on a continental ticket after falling short of the top three.

With the club determined to improve on last season's performance, Boboye has made it clear that his players must show greater consistency, commitment and ambition throughout the new campaign.

The experienced tactician also urged the squad to justify the club's commitment to improving players' welfare by delivering positive results and entertaining football.

"Management has assured us of improved welfare, so we have no reason not to deliver this time. We owe them and the fans winnings and fine football," Boboye said.

The former league-winning coach believes the improved support from the club's management should motivate the players to compete at a higher level as Bendel Insurance aim to return to continental football at the end of the season.

Kano Pillars have officially kicked off preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season after holding their first pre-season training session at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The opening training session was supervised by the club's technical crew, led by Ahmed Garba, popularly known as Yaro Yaro, alongside assistant coach Gambo Muhammad and goalkeeper trainer Suleiman Shuaibu.

Newly appointed Technical Adviser Daniel Ogunmodede is expected to arrive in Kano later this week to take charge of preparations following his appointment.

The highly rated tactician recently signed a two-year contract with the four-time NPFL champions after ending his successful spell with Remo Stars, where he guided the Ikenne-based club to their maiden league title.

Ogunmodede's arrival signals a new era for the Sai Masu Gida, who are aiming to rebuild after narrowly escaping relegation during a difficult 2025/26 campaign.

The experienced coach is expected to oversee the team's tactical preparations, player assessments and recruitment plans as Kano Pillars seek to assemble a competitive squad for the new season.

With pre-season now underway, the former league champions have set their sights on returning to the upper reaches of the NPFL table, challenging for the title and securing qualification for continental football at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes have completed the composition of their technical crew for the 2026/27 season following the appointments of Olatunji Abideen Baruwa and Bello Mohammed as the club's goalkeeper coaches, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Baruwa joins the Minna-based club as First Goalkeeper Coach after leaving Nasarawa United, where he built a strong reputation for developing goalkeepers and improving the team's performances between the sticks.

The experienced coach is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge to the "Ikon Allah Boys" as they intensify preparations for the new Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

Niger Tornadoes also confirmed the appointment of Bello Mohammed as Second Goalkeeper Coach, completing the goalkeeping unit within the club's technical department.

The club stated that the appointments bring an end to the recruitment process for the technical crew ahead of the 2026/27 season, with all key positions now filled.

The management expressed confidence that the assembled coaching staff possess the experience, technical expertise and professionalism needed to guide the team through a successful campaign.

With their backroom staff now fully in place, Niger Tornadoes will shift their attention to pre-season preparations as they aim to build a competitive squad capable of achieving their objectives in the upcoming NPFL season.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has tentatively fixed August 27 to 29 as the opening weekend for the 2026/27 season following a stakeholders' meeting involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), league officials and club owners in Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The proposed football calendar will see the new campaign run until May 28, 2027, with adequate provisions also made for the President Federation Cup to ensure a more structured and consistent domestic football schedule.

One of the biggest highlights of the new season is the introduction of a record ?1 billion prize for the league champions, following an announcement by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko.

The unprecedented prize money, the highest ever in Nigerian club football, is part of broader reforms designed to boost the commercial value of the NPFL, enhance competitiveness among clubs and attract increased investment into the country's top-flight league.

The 2026/27 campaign will also welcome four newly promoted clubs from the Nigeria National League (NNL). Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United all secured promotion after impressive performances during the 2025/26 NNL season and will replace the four teams relegated from the NPFL.

The quartet will join defending champions Enugu Rangers, who captured their ninth league title after finishing at the summit of the standings in the 2025/26 campaign.

Football authorities believe the proposed calendar will provide clubs with greater certainty in planning their activities while supporting ongoing efforts to improve the organisation, professionalism and commercial growth of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

If approved, the schedule is expected to ensure a smoother season with fewer disruptions, allowing clubs, players and stakeholders to better prepare for domestic and continental competitions.

El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Kibiru Dogo has emerged as one of the most sought-after managers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with several top-flight clubs reportedly interested in securing his services ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Dogo's impressive work with the Maiduguri-based side has attracted the attention of Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba and Kwara United, all of whom are believed to be exploring the possibility of appointing the experienced tactician.

The coach has enjoyed a successful spell with El-Kanemi Warriors and is currently preparing the team for the 2026 President Federation Cup final against Ikorodu City, where they will aim to add another major trophy to their achievements.

Despite that crucial fixture still to come, reports indicate that Niger Tornadoes have moved into pole position in the race for Dogo's signature as they seek to strengthen their technical department ahead of the new NPFL campaign.

The Minna-based club is understood to be keen on appointing the highly-rated coach as part of their plans to build a competitive squad capable of challenging in the league next season.

However, the competition for Dogo's services remains intense, with Enyimba and Kwara United continuing to monitor developments and expected to step up their interest once El-Kanemi Warriors complete their Federation Cup campaign.

With his reputation continuing to rise following his achievements in domestic football, Dogo is expected to be one of the most talked-about coaching figures in the NPFL during the current off-season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United has completed the signing of goalkeeper Clinton Andy Ezekiel from fellow top-flight side Bayelsa United ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ezekiel joins the Port Harcourt-based club on a one-year contract after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he established himself as one of Bayelsa United's standout performers.

The highly-rated goalkeeper attracted interest from several clubs following a series of assured performances between the sticks, but Rivers United moved swiftly to secure his services as they continue to strengthen their squad for the new season.

His arrival is expected to provide additional quality and competition in the club's goalkeeping department as Rivers United prepares for another demanding NPFL campaign.

The former Bayelsa United shot-stopper is expected to play a key role in the team's ambitions of challenging for domestic honours and securing another strong finish in the league.

Rivers United remain active in the transfer market and are expected to make further additions to their squad as preparations for the 2026/27 season gather pace.

The Port Harcourt club is aiming to assemble a competitive squad capable of competing at the highest level in Nigerian football while maintaining its status as one of the NPFL's leading sides.