The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with his mandate taking immediate effect.

The NFF announced the appointment on Friday — the same day the 2026/27 NPFL season got underway, with the opening match between Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos FC held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

A background built on football administration

Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate in sports administration and has accumulated considerable experience across multiple tiers of the Nigerian league system, giving him a thorough grounding in football organisation and management.

NFF interim General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, confirmed that the appointment follows a directive issued the previous day, which ordered Board Members and Chief Executive Officers of the various leagues — as well as Chief Operating Officers who are not NFF staff members — to vacate their roles immediately.

Abdulrahaman's elevation to the post is therefore part of a broader restructuring exercise initiated by the NFF across its league competitions.