NPFL: Good news for players as ‘club owners’ approve life insurance schemes

Players and officials in the Nigeria Premier Football League are set to benefit from improved life and injury insurance schemes following the resolutions reached at an expanded meeting of the league’s Club Owners’ Forum held in Abuja, The PUNCH reports.

According to the communiqué released on Thursday by the secretary of the forum, Amobi Ezeaku, the meeting unanimously approved key amendments to the NPFL Framework and Rules, chief among them being enhanced insurance coverage for all league participants.

“Enhanced life and injury insurance schemes for players and officials” were among the amendments ratified at the meeting.

The forum described this as a significant step towards safeguarding the welfare and career security of players and technical personnel operating within the domestic league system.

The meeting, which had in attendance club chairmen and NPFL leadership, also conducted a comprehensive review of the 2024/2025 season, hailing it as one of the most organised campaigns in the league’s recent history.

“The season was marked by improved matchday organisation, near-perfect adherence to fixtures, and enhanced operational efficiency,” the communiqué reads.

The Club Owners’ Forum also passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation under Ibrahim Gusau, commending the Federation’s efforts in developing the game across the country.

Similarly, the forum congratulated Remo Stars on emerging as champions of the 2024/2025 season and extended warm wishes to Rivers United and Abia Warriors for securing Nigeria’s slots in the CAF interclub competitions. Clubs were encouraged to intensify their preparations to ensure positive results on the continent.

In response to prevailing economic difficulties, the forum urged clubs to diversify their revenue base through strategic sponsorships, merchandising, and maximisation of media rights, highlighting the need for financial sustainability in the league.

Deliberations also touched on security at match venues, with the forum stressing that State Football Associations must step up their efforts to ensure safety during fixtures. It noted that “the responsibility for matchday security lies primarily within their jurisdiction.”

They concluded by acknowledging the proposed calendar for the 2025/2026 season and called on all stakeholders to align their operations accordingly to facilitate a seamless rollout.