NPFL: Elegbeleye, Aluo sacked as Chairmen
Nigeria’s football administration has been thrown into further uncertainty after the leadership of the country’s domestic leagues was directed to hand over their responsibilities amid sweeping changes at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye and NNL Chairman George Aluo are among the league administrators affected by the directive, issued after the resignation of NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
The NFF announced that the Chairmen, appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the NPFL, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers (COOs).
Where the existing COO is not an NFF staff member, the acting NFF General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, will deploy a new COO from within the Federation.
The development effectively removes Elegbeleye and Aluo from the day-to-day administration of the NPFL and NNL, respectively, as the Federation moves to an interim structure pending the completion of planned reforms.
Elegbeleye’s removal comes shortly after the NPFL secured a major commercial boost with the historic Euromatch partnership as the league’s new Official Title Sponsor.
For Aluo, the directive comes as the NNL prepares for its 2026/27 season, with clubs across the second-tier competition also gearing up for the new campaign.
The NFF said the interim measures aim to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football while the government, FIFA, CAF and stakeholders work towards comprehensive reforms.
The directive also follows the suspension of the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27, with a fresh electoral process expected after the reforms.
The latest development marks a major shake-up of Nigeria’s domestic football administration, with the immediate impact on the NPFL and NNL now being closely watched by clubs, stakeholders and supporters.
Elsewhere, Ademola Olajire, until now Director of Media and Communications, will now serve as interim Deputy General Secretary.
All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September have also been suspended.
A fresh electoral process will commence after the anticipated comprehensive reforms are completed, in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF.
