Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), saying the domestic league has shown noticeable quality improvements and increased spectator interest. Agbim also highlighted the league’s alignment of its match calendar with the English Premier League as a key factor boosting visibility.
Speaking on Thursday, Agbim praised NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi for strategic planning and organisation that he believes are driving the league forward.
Agbim told Completesports.com that the NPFL’s ability to operate smoothly alongside major European competitions reflects strong governance by league organisers. He pointed to improved match delivery and fixture scheduling as evidence that the administrators are firmly in control of the competition.
He specifically noted how NPFL Matchday 24 coincided with an English Premier League (EPL) matchday and that upcoming Matchday 25 will also follow the same alignment, enhancing the league’s appeal to fans who now have domestic football to follow alongside top European fixtures.
The former Rangers International, Gombe United and Warri Wolves goalkeeper observed a steady return of spectators to stadiums across the country. According to Agbim, the improved organisation and on field quality have made NPFL matches more exciting, helping to draw fans back to watch games live.
“You look at the quality of play and you say ‘wow’. It’s good, and I’m sure this will attract investors to the league,” he added, emphasising that the presence of fans not only improves the atmosphere but also makes the league more television friendly.
Agbim reserved special praise for the NPFL leadership, acknowledging the efforts of Elegbeleye and Owumi in driving the league’s resurgence. He described their stewardship as effective and expressed confidence that they can sustain the league’s upward trajectory.
“These are square pegs in square holes. It can only get better, and I believe they can sustain the tempo of improvement,” Agbim said in support of the board’s strategic direction.
Editorial
Chigozie Agbim’s comments reflect a growing optimism around the NPFL as it seeks to reinvent itself on both administrative and competitive fronts. After years of operational challenges and fluctuating fan interest, the league’s efforts to synchronise its calendar with the EPL are more than cosmetic, they help domestic football remain relevant in a crowded sporting marketplace where fans often favour European games.
The return of crowds to stadiums is a positive sign for Nigerian football’s heartbeat at the grassroots. When fans fill stands from Kano to Enugu, from Port Harcourt to Ibadan, it signals that the league is doing something right. Improved match quality and reliable scheduling have tangible effects on attendance and broadcast interest, which in turn can attract commercial partners and sponsors essential for sustainable growth.
However, the NPFL’s progress must be matched with continued investment in infrastructure, officiating standards and club governance to cement this momentum. Praise from respected figures like Agbim can act as a morale booster, but the real test will be whether fans, players and stakeholders see these improvements translate into long term league stability and performance.
Did You Know?
- Chigozie Agbim is a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- The NPFL has intentionally aligned its fixtures with the English Premier League calendar to enhance fan engagement.
- Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye is the current Chairman of the NPFL Board, leading strategic reforms in the league.
- Davidson Owumi serves as the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer and has overseen operations alongside Elegbeleye.
- Improved match organisation has contributed to a noticeable increase in fan attendance at NPFL games nationwide.
