 has reiterated its strong opposition to the sale or transfer of league slots among clubs){kind=link}
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has reiterated its strong opposition to the sale or transfer of league slots among clubs, describing such practices as a threat to the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s top-flight football competition.
This firm position was emphasized during the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, where fixtures for the 2025/26 season were officially released.
Some NPFL club officials at the AGM held in Abuja
[Credit: Shooting Stars Media]
No Place for Slot Transfers — Elegbeleye
Addressing club representatives and stakeholders, NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, responded to the recent controversy involving Heartland FC’s return to the topflight following the withdrawal of newly promoted Beyond Limits FC.
Elegbeleye explained that the intervention became necessary due to a violation of league ownership regulations, as both Beyond Limits and NPFL side Remo Stars are owned by the same entity.
“In this situation, Beyond Limits and Remo Stars are from the same source. We cannot allow one entity to own two clubs in the NPFL; it’s against the rules,” he stated.
He clarified that the replacement of Beyond Limits by Heartland was not the result of any financial transaction, dismissing suggestions of a slot being sold.
“The proprietor of Beyond Limits never mentioned money. We met with them, explained the situation, and they willingly stepped aside without any argument or financial demands,” Elegbeleye added.
He further revealed that before Heartland was selected, other clubs including Sporting Lagos and Gombe United were approached but declined the opportunity.
“This was a unique case due to shared ownership. Outside such situations, no club will be allowed to sell its slot. If a similar case arises, we’ll address it accordingly, but we will not permit slot sales under any circumstance,” he insisted.
2025/26 Season Set for August 22 Kick-Off
The NPFL also confirmed the lineup for the upcoming season, which includes four newly promoted sides—Wikki Tourists, Barau FC, Warri Wolves, and Kun Khalifat—who secured their places through the recently concluded NNL Super 8 Playoffs.
They replace Lobi Stars, Akwa United, Heartland, and Sunshine Stars, who were relegated at the end of last season.
Opening Day Fixtures Announced
The AGM concluded with the unveiling of fixtures for the opening weekend of the 2025/26 NPFL season, which begins on August 22.
Highlights include:
Remo Stars vs Rivers United – Defending champions open their title defense with a high-profile clash. Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United, Katsina United vs Warri Wolves, Rangers vs Kun Khalifat, Kwara United vs Ikorodu City, El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance, Shooting Stars (3SC) vs Bayelsa United, Barau FC vs Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United.
With the NPFL leadership doubling down on governance and transparency, hopes are high that the 2025/26 campaign will deliver a more competitive, credible, and commercially viable league.