NPFL Holds Orientation For Newly Promoted Clubs, Emphasises Strict Licensing Requirements

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has organised a one-day orientation and induction workshop for the four clubs promoted to the top flight ahead of the 2026/27 season, as part of efforts to prepare them for the demands of elite domestic football.

Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees, Inter Lagos and Doma United participated in the workshop, held on Friday, 26 June 2026. Each club was represented by two senior officials, including the Chairman and General Manager.

Speaking at the event, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, said the initiative was designed to familiarise the newly promoted clubs with the league’s operational standards, particularly its club licensing requirements.

“We organised this meeting for the four newly promoted teams, their club owners and general managers,” Owumi said.

“The purpose is very simple—orientation. We want them to understand how the Nigeria Premier Football League operates, acquaint them with the fundamentals of the competition, and educate them on the requirements of the club licensing system.”

Owumi admitted that some clubs may initially struggle to meet every requirement but stressed that early awareness would help them prepare adequately before the new season.

“We understand that there is a possibility that one or two clubs may not immediately meet all the league’s requirements. That is why this is the right time to acquaint them with what lies ahead.

“Those who may not be able to meet the obligations will know early enough what is expected of them. They are leaving here today with valuable information that their proprietors may not have been aware of before now.”

The NPFL also informed participants that they would receive copies of the league’s regulations and operational framework, while detailed guidance would be provided on the implementation of the Club Licensing Regulations. Key areas of focus include financial sustainability, contractual obligations to players and staff, infrastructure, governance and administration.

Also speaking at the workshop, Sporting Lagos Chairman Godwin Enakhena praised the NPFL for organising the programme, describing it as an important initiative that would ease the transition from the second tier to the country’s top division.

“People often say that the best information is written in books, but many people never get around to reading them. Today, the NPFL has opened the book for us,” Enakhena said.

“For some of us, this is a return to the Premier League, so it isn’t entirely new. But for those arriving for the first time, there is a significant difference between competing in the Nigeria National League and the Premier League. It is a fantastic initiative by the Nigeria Premier Football League.”

Enakhena also highlighted the challenges of securing promotion, noting that maintaining top-flight status would require even greater commitment.

“Getting to the Premier League is no easy task. You have to work tirelessly to earn promotion,” he added.

“We are delighted to be here. It is a remarkable achievement and one we did not imagine would come this soon. Having four privately owned clubs promoted is a positive development, and I hope we continue to see more privately owned clubs in the Premier League. Ideally, I would like to see a league made up of 70 per cent privately owned clubs and 30 per cent government-owned clubs. That would be a tremendous boost for Nigerian football.”

The orientation workshop marks the first in a series of pre-season programmes planned by the NPFL as preparations intensify for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.