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 comes barely a day after the federation ordered the chairmen, directors and chief executive officers of the various domestic leagues, as well as COOs who are not NFF staff, to vacate their positions as part of the ongoing restructuring of Nigerian football administration.
NFF Interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, confirmed that Abdulrahaman’s appointment followed the directive issued on Thursday, August 27, and takes effect immediately.
Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate degree in sports administration and brings experience in football organisation and administration, having worked across Nigeria’s various league structures.
His assumption of office coincides with the opening day of the 2026/27 NPFL season, which began with a headline fixture between CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos FC at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.
The appointment places Abdulrahaman at the centre of the immediate administration of Nigeria’s top-flight league as the NFF implements its wider football reform programme.
The latest move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, including the restructuring of governance, domestic competitions, development pathways and accountability.
With the new NPFL administration now under an NFF-appointed COO, Abdulrahaman will be expected to provide operational continuity while the broader reform process unfolds.