NFF names sports administrator Ayo Abdulrahaman NPFL COO, with appointment taking effect immediately as the 2026/27 season begins.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with immediate effect.
The appointment was announced by the NFF Communications Department on Friday, coinciding with the opening of the new NPFL season at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, where CAF Confederation Cup representatives Shooting Stars hosted newly promoted Inter Lagos FC.
Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in sports administration, is expected to bring extensive experience in football organisation and administration to the management of the country’s top-flight league.
According to the NFF, he has worked across various leagues and possesses “a rich experience and deep understanding of football organisation and administration.”
The appointment followed a directive issued on Thursday, August 27, ordering all board members, chief executive officers of the various leagues and chief operating officers who are not NFF staff to vacate their positions.
NFF Interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, said Abdulrahaman’s appointment was made in line with the directive.
The development marks a significant administrative change as the NPFL begins its new campaign, with Abdulrahaman assuming responsibility for the league’s operations immediately.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, boosted their preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 friendly victory over hosts Poland in Brzeg on Friday.
Mary Mamudu scored the decisive goal in first-half added time to hand Coach Moses Aduku’s side a morale-boosting win ahead of their World Cup opener against Spain on September 7.
The two-time World Cup runners-up will face the Republic of Korea in their final friendly on Tuesday, September 1, before beginning their campaign against Spain.
The Falconets will subsequently play China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
In another development, Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari has invited 25 players to begin the first phase of final preparations for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The players are expected to report to the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, on Sunday, August 30.
Nigeria secured its place at the tournament after defeating Benin Republic home and away in the final round of African qualifying.
The Flamingos have been a consistent presence at the U17 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2008, missing only the 2018 edition in Uruguay.
The 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
