Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has written an official letter to the chairmen and general managers of the league’s 20 clubs, urging them to protect the reputation and commercial viability of the league.
In the letter titled “Protecting and Building the NPFL Brand,” Owumi emphasized the importance of clubs adhering to the league’s rules and maintaining high standards of governance. He stressed that any failure to be seen as fit and proper leaders of the game could severely damage the league’s commercial potential.
Owumi’s Call for Responsibility and Fairness
Owumi reassured the clubs that they could expect fairness, excellence, and neutrality from the NPFL administration. In return, he asked the clubs to take responsibility for protecting and building the NPFL as a valuable commercial asset for all involved stakeholders.
“As club leaders, you are the first ambassadors of the NPFL, because the league entity belongs to you,” said Owumi. “There will be no league without the 20 participating clubs, so your place in the affairs of the league cannot be overemphasized.”
Addressing Club Complaints
Owumi also acknowledged the growing number of complaints from NPFL clubs in recent seasons, with some clubs questioning league decisions and match official rulings. However, he urged the clubs to follow official channels for airing grievances, rather than resorting to media platforms.
“Disparaging the league in media platforms is detrimental to the brand,” Owumi cautioned. “There are established channels and protocols for expressing grievances, and I request everyone to adhere to these protocols, no matter how pained we feel by decisions.”
Upholding the Rules
Owumi concluded his letter by reminding the clubs that while the NPFL Board does not intend to heavily enforce the Frameworks and Rules, all parties are bound by the league’s regulations. This reinforces the importance of maintaining good governance practices across all levels of the league to ensure its long-term success.
The NPFL continues to work towards a more organized and commercially viable future, with a commitment to upholding the league’s integrity and improving its standing within the wider football community.