The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has restated the league’s commitment to building a sustainable football ecosystem that attracts sponsors and delivers value to all stakeholders.
Speaking at a strategic media engagement in Lagos, organised by GTI Asset Management and Trust Ltd in partnership with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Elegbeleye emphasised the importance of collaboration between the league, media, and corporate organisations.
According to him, current reforms have repositioned the league as a platform for investors seeking visibility, credibility, and social impact.
“We are building a league that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in Africa. What we need now is partnership and belief,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria.
Elegbeleye described the NPFL as a truly national brand with presence across all regions, urging companies to see it as a credible investment opportunity. He added that football remains Nigeria’s greatest unifying force and a powerful driver for social and economic growth, particular with the partnership between GTI, the NPFL, and the media.
“No other activity unites Nigerians like football. It has no religion, tribe, or gender barrier. Strengthening this ecosystem benefits every sector,” he added.
The session also highlighted plans to promote live radio commentaries for NPFL matches nationwide, a move expected to deepen fan engagement.
GTI Executive Director, Nelson Ine, said the Nigerian Football Fund was established to attract structured investment and accountability into the domestic football economy. He urged corporate bodies and individuals to invest in the fund, describing it as a sustainable model to drive sports development and economic inclusion.
“This league spans 19 major cities and runs for nine months, delivering over 380 brand engagement events yearly,” Ine informed the News Agency of Nigeria.
Ine noted that no other platform matches the NPFL’s nationwide reach and encouraged Nigerians to take pride in the league and support its development. He acknowledged past negative perceptions but said recent reforms have restored confidence, transparency, and commercial appeal.
“We made the English Premier League popular in Nigeria, not the English. If we can grow theirs, we can build ours,” he stated.
Representing the FRCN Director-General, Dr Mohammed Bulama, Mr Istafanus Baba praised the NPFL-GTI partnership for enabling live national radio coverage. He said the initiative would help rekindle public passion for local football and strengthen national unity.
“Radio Nigeria has the largest reach in Africa, with 64 FM stations nationwide. No platform connects Nigerians like we do,” Baba told the News Agency of Nigeria.
He added that the network would continue to train commentators and production staff to uphold top broadcasting standards.
“For us, football commentary is part of our national heritage. This partnership proves that the NPFL belongs to all Nigerians,” he said.
NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, revealed that the league is combining radio and digital streaming through the NPFL Live app, which already boasts over 400,000 subscribers and millions of views worldwide.
“We are ensuring fans who can’t attend matches enjoy live excitement through Radio Nigeria and the NPFL Live app,” Owumi noted.
GTI Group Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal, thanked stakeholders for their support and urged more private investment in the league. He reaffirmed GTI’s commitment to working with sponsors who share the goal of elevating the NPFL into a globally recognised and respected brand.
“If we don’t stand up for our football, nobody will. Investment is key to progress; criticism won’t build our league,” Lawal said.
