NFF Appoints Ayo Abdulrahaman as New NPFL Chief Operating Officer

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The appointment was announced on Friday, August 29, 2026, the same day the 2026/27 NPFL season officially kicked off with Shooting Stars hosting newcomers Inter Lagos FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate degree in Sports Administration and brings extensive experience in football organisation and management to the position.

The new NPFL COO has previously worked across different levels of the Nigerian league system, giving him considerable experience in the administration and organisation of domestic football.

NFF interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, said Abdulrahaman’s appointment followed a directive issued on Thursday ordering Board Members and Chief Executive Officers of the various leagues, as well as Chief Operating Officers who are not members of NFF staff, to vacate their positions.

The directive forms part of the latest restructuring of the country’s domestic league administration.

Abdulrahaman’s appointment takes immediate effect as the new NPFL season gets underway.