Nigeria Football: Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman Appointed New Head of Nigeria Premier Football League Operations

NFF Appoints Ayo Abdulrahaman as New NPFL COO

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The appointment was announced on Friday, coinciding with the start of the new NPFL season, which kicked off with the opening fixture between CAF Confederation Cup representatives Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate in Sports Administration, brings experience in football organisation and administration, having worked across various leagues.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the appointment follows a directive issued on Thursday, 27 August, requiring all Board Members and Chief Executive Officers of the various leagues, as well as Chief Operating Officers who are not NFF staff, to vacate their positions.

NFF Interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, confirmed that Abdulrahaman’s appointment takes immediate effect.

Abdulrahaman now takes charge of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the NPFL as the 2026/27 season gets underway.