Lawal, Fuludu, Jalla Set Agenda For 2025/26 NPFL Season

Former players and football administrator have expressed concerns and expectations as the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is scheduled to kick off on Aug. 22.
In separate interviews with NAN yesterday, they shared thoughts on how to improve the league and players’ welfare.
A former Super Eagles winger and ex-Julius Berger player, Garba Lawal, praised the NPFL board for efforts to improve standards but noted there’s still room for growth.
“The NPFL board, led by Gbenga Elegbeleye, is doing well, and I’ve had constant engagement with them. My main concern is with clubs in continental football,” he said.
Lawal lamented that Nigerian clubs have struggled to reach the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup semi-finals or finals in recent years.
“I’ve shared my concerns with the NPFL board. It’s been long since any Nigerian club got that far in African competitions,” he said.
He urged greater improvement in the league to return to the era of club football dominance by NPFL teams.
Lawal, who played for Esperance after Berger FC, said that deeper runs in continental tournaments would enhance Nigerian football’s prestige.
Lawal urged better organisation and improved welfare packages to boost continental performance.
Another former Super Eagles player, Edema Fuludu, advised the NPFL to maintain the new league calendar aligned with European schedules.
“This is the first time the NPFL has stabilised the calendar, finishing the league on time. It’s a good development,” he said.
Fuludu praised the early start to the new season, saying it reflects positively on Nigerian football’s organisation.
He played for New Nigeria Bank, BCC Lions, and Julius Berger before returning to BCC Lions.
He stressed the need for fair officiating to uphold the league’s integrity.
“NPFL must work on officiating and ensure State Football Associations are fully carried along in match preparations.
“Some State FAs are not properly briefed, and that’s problematic,” he added.
“NPFL should secure more sponsors and prevent any contact between match officials and clubs before or after matches,” he advised.
Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria Task Force, also emphasised the importance of a stable league calendar.
“I rated the league 93 per cent last season. If the new date is upheld, the calendar will remain consistent,” he said.