Sports Minister, Tony Elumelu reveal plans to revitalise NPFL

John Enoh, the Minister of Youth and Sports has revealed plans with Tony Elumelu, Chairperson of United Bank for Africa (UBA), to resuscitate the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Despite being the top-flight league in Nigeria, the NPFL languishes in a myriad of challenges that cut across and aren’t limited to inadequate and poor infrastructure, limited funding, and government interference—all of which is unbefitting of a league with 52 years of history behind it.

“The conversation to buy league clubs in the country for very obvious reasons has been underway,” Enoh posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.

“Let me express my gratitude to my brother and friend @TonyOElumelu, who has shown great passion and commitment in this direction. My team and I paid him a visit to discuss buying a league club.

“Not only did he receive us with open arms, but he also made sure to call potential buyers on the spot and extend conversations in this regard. I appreciate his dedication to developing football in Nigeria.”

On his end, Elumelu also aired his optimism about the possibility of investing in Nigerian football, after receiving the minister.

“Earlier today, I hosted the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh (@OwanEnoh) and his team to explore opportunities for Nigerian football and the role of the private sector in transforming the Nigerian Football Federation. Exciting times ahead,” Elumelu posted.