NFF appoints Ayo Abdulrahaman as NPFL COO effective immediately as 2026/27 season opens
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Ayo Abdulrahaman as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) effective immediately, announcing the role Friday as the 2026/27 season opened with Shooting Stars versus Inter Lagos at Ibadan's Lekan Salami Stadium.
This follows Thursday's dissolution of leadership across NPFL, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League, and Nationwide League One after NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and executive committee members resigned. NFF interim General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme stated the appointment implements Thursday's directive requiring league officials to vacate positions.
Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate in sports administration with experience across Nigeria's domestic leagues. His role places NPFL day-to-day administration under the NFF Secretariat as the federation begins broader reforms mandated by President Bola Tinubu, responding to structural weaknesses after Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup and Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
The NFF has suspended preparations for its September elective congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State, noting a fresh electoral process will follow completion of a comprehensive reform programme undertaken with FIFA, CAF, government, and other stakeholders. Abdulrahaman's tenure begins as domestic football enters a new administrative phase amid nationwide reform efforts.