The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a formal directive to all clubs ahead of the 2025/26 season, stressing the urgent need to upgrade stadium infrastructure to meet minimum broadcast and safety standards.
In an official letter signed by the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, and dated 3 June 2025, clubs were reminded to ensure their home grounds are equipped with standard LED floodlights and a reliable backup power supply.
According to the league management, these two key infrastructure requirements are mandatory for all NPFL venues:
LED Floodlights: Stadiums must have functional LED lighting that meets the required illuminance levels for night fixtures.
Backup Generators: Each venue must have a dependable secondary power source to guarantee uninterrupted lighting during matches.
The letter warned that clubs failing to meet these conditions before the league’s routine stadium inspections could be barred from using their primary home grounds in the upcoming season.
“We urge you to prioritise these upgrades to ensure a smooth and successful season,” the NPFL stated, urging clubs to treat the directive with urgency.
The NPFL’s stance comes on the heels of logistical and performance issues faced by clubs last season due to non-compliant stadiums. Sunshine Stars were forced to alternate between multiple venues after their home turf in Akure, Ondo State, was not approved.
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Similarly, Lobi Stars endured an unstable campaign as the delayed renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi meant they had to host matches away from home.
Ikorodu City celebrating a goal in the NPFL 2024/2025 season in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo Credit: X
Both clubs suffered for it on the pitch. Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars struggled with consistency and fan turnout throughout the season and were eventually relegated from the top flight — a cautionary tale the NPFL appears keen to avoid repeating.
The directive is part of the NPFL’s broader effort to modernise matchday operations and enhance the quality of television broadcasts. The 2025/26 season is expected to feature more night games and a renewed focus on media rights and commercial growth.
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With increasing pressure on the league to raise standards, analysts say the requirement could see some clubs forced to seek alternative venues if compliance is not achieved.
The NPFL’s stadium inspections are expected to begin later this month, with the new season tentatively scheduled to kick off in September 2025.
