No Website, No Licence For 2026/27 Season, NPFL Warns Clubs

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs without functional websites risk being denied licences to compete in the 2026/27 season, following a new directive aimed at strengthening the league’s digital presence and commercial appeal.

The warning was issued by the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, during the NPFL/Afrinvest Marketing and Media Workshop for club marketing and media directors held in Enugu on Wednesday.

Owumi said every NPFL club must establish and maintain a functional website as part of the mandatory club licensing requirements, stressing that a strong digital presence is now essential in modern football.

According to him, clubs will be required to provide links to their official websites during the registration process for the new season, with non-compliance likely to affect their eligibility to participate.

He explained that accessible and credible online information about clubs, players and activities is crucial to attracting sponsors, investors and scouts, while also enhancing the global visibility of the league.

“Access to credible and verifiable information about all 20 NPFL clubs is an important marketing tool for the league to attract sponsorship, not only within the domestic economy but also internationally,” Owumi said.

“Football is a global business and we must compete on the world stage. That can only be achieved by establishing a strong presence in the digital space.”

Owumi also urged club management to overhaul their media departments to meet the demands of modern digital communication, insisting that a single media officer can no longer effectively manage the growing responsibilities of football media operations.

He recommended that clubs employ dedicated photographers, videographers, graphic designers and video editors to produce quality content capable of driving engagement across digital platforms.

“It is no longer acceptable to have one media officer providing live match updates, handling video production and performing every other function. Clubs must build properly equipped media teams that can compete in today’s digital landscape,” he said.

Also speaking at the workshop, NPFL Communications and Media Director Harry Iwuala called on clubs to invest more heavily in their media departments, describing digital platforms as significant sources of revenue.

Iwuala noted that beyond attracting sponsors and showcasing players to scouts, well-managed social media platforms can generate substantial commercial returns for clubs.

“There are enormous opportunities for clubs to generate revenue through their digital presence. Social media platforms are not just promotional tools; they are additional income streams that clubs must begin to maximise,” he said.

The workshop also featured presentations from Managing Director of TBWA Concepts George Isitua Onukwu, GTI Assets Management Director Nelson Ine, and sports administration and marketing expert Dr Derek Kaka’an, who shared insights on marketing, investment and digital growth in professional football.

The new licensing requirement forms part of the NPFL’s broader drive to professionalise club operations and position the league for greater commercial growth and international recognition ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.