The league organization announced that stadiums that do not comply with essential standards will not be authorized for NPFL matches in the upcoming season. Clubs impacted by this could be compelled to move their home games to different locations. Additionally, Kanu praised Governor Otti for the renovation of Enyimba Stadium. In alignment with the recent synchronization of the domestic football schedule with European leagues, the NPFL is planning to host more games under floodlights, which is seen as a strategy to draw larger crowds to match venues. The upcoming NPFL season for 2025/2026 is tentatively set to begin on August 22, 2025, with the final matches expected on May 24, 2026. Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, conveyed in a memo to the clubs that stadiums lacking standard LED floodlights and a dependable power backup will not be permitted for the next season. He highlighted the vital role of adequate infrastructure, pointing out that these standards are essential to ensure that professional matchday operations, especially for evening matches, are not affected by inconsistent power supply. Additionally, NPFL Chairman Elegbeleye has stated, ‘Our Referees Are Among The Best In The World.’ The memo, which was distributed to the NPFL Board, management, and staff, emphasizes that all clubs must establish operational stadium facilities before the upcoming routine inspection. “Clubs are encouraged to undertake all required improvements and achieve full compliance, without any exceptions after the start of the 2025/26 season,” the memo stated. By Sab Osuji.
