The Nigeria Premier Football League has warned its newly promoted clubs that failure to satisfy the competition’s club licensing and infrastructure requirements could result in them losing the right to host matches at their home grounds or even jeopardize their participation in the 2026/27 campaign.
The warning was delivered by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Prince Davidson Owumi during an induction and orientation programme held in Abuja for the four clubs promoted from the Nigeria National League.
Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United and Ranchers Bees were formally admitted into the 20-club league during the workshop, which also marked the beginning of preparations for the new NPFL season, scheduled to kick off in August on a date to be confirmed following Tuesday’s meeting between the league board and club representatives.
NPFL Chief Operating Officer Prince Davidson Owumi has warned newly promoted clubs that failure to meet club licensing and infrastructure standards could cost them home matches or even participation in the 2026/27 seas
Addressing club chairmen and general managers, Owumi stressed that promotion alone was not enough to guarantee participation in Nigeria’s top flight, insisting that every club must comply with the league’s licensing framework.
“Any club that does not meet the standard requirements will be moved from its home ground,” Owumi warned.
The orientation focused heavily on club licensing regulations, with particular emphasis placed on stadium infrastructure, security arrangements, medical facilities and other operational standards expected of clubs competing in the country’s elite division.
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Owumi explained that the programme was designed to help the promoted clubs understand the league’s requirements early enough to identify and address any shortcomings before the new campaign begins.
“The programme was organised purposely for orientation, induction and to get acquainted with how club licensing works to forestall future challenges,” he said.
He added that the exercise would enable clubs to assess whether they possess the facilities and organisational capacity required to compete at NPFL level while giving them sufficient time to improve areas that fall below standard.
The workshop also saw the clubs receive copies of the NPFL Frameworks and Rules, providing officials with guidance on the competition’s operational procedures and regulatory expectations.
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Sporting Lagos chairman Godwin Enakhena welcomed the initiative, describing the induction as beneficial despite the club’s previous experience in the top flight.
