The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new chief operating officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with the appointment taking immediate effect.
Abdulrahaman’’s appointment was announced on Friday, the same day the new league season got underway with the opening fixture at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan between CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos FC.
The new NPFL chief operating officer brings considerable experience to the position, having worked across different levels of Nigerian football administration and league organisation.
NFF Interim General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, said Abdulrahaman’s appointment followed the directive issued on Thursday, August 27, asking board members and chief executive officers of the various leagues, as well as chief operating officers who are not NFF staff, to vacate their positions.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, boosted their preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over host nation Poland in an international friendly on Friday.
The match was played at the Municipal Stadium in Brzeg, Poland, with Mary Mamudu scoring the decisive goal in first-half added time.
The victory provides a major morale boost for Coach Moses Aduku and his players as they continue their final preparations for the global competition.
The two-time FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup runners-up will play one more friendly against the Republic of Korea at the Remes Sports Leisure and Spa Stadium on Tuesday, September 1.
Nigeria will begin their World Cup campaign against Spain on September 7 before facing China on September 10 and New Caledonia on September 13.
In another development, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will begin the first phase of their final camping programme in Abuja, ahead of this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Head Coach Hakeem Busari has invited 25 players for the first phase of preparations for the tournament, scheduled to hold from October 17 to November 7.
The Flamingos secured qualification for the global finals after defeating Benin Republic home and away in the final round of the African qualifying campaign.
All invited players have been directed to report to the Serob Legacy Hotel in Wuye, Abuja, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
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Full Llst of invited players: Goalkeepers: Ifesinachi Iloh (Solo Wonders), Mercy Felix (Obosa FA), Precious John (Pelican Stars).
Defenders: Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens), Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies), Chidera Oparanmegwa (Bayelsa Queens), Azeezat Oduntan (Robo Queens), Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons), Omelogu Precious (Tophat SC), Christiana Ogunbunmi (Soccer Talent FC), Taiwo Abdulazeez (Dannaz Ladies).
Midfielders: Kaosarat Akanji (Dreamstar Ladies), Awawu Bashiru (Confluence Queens), Mary Dustan (Bayelsa Queens), Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura FA), Kate Laniran (Espora Queens), Annabelle Olubajo (Savannah United), Grace Akingboye (Ghetto Tigers), Eniola Abdulquadri (Unstoppable FA).
Forwards: Adebimpe Kashimawo (Asisat Oshoala FA), Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens), Mmesoma Uchendu (Ibom Angels), Istifanus Shavi (Youth Arise FA), Shakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies), Chisom Chukwuemeka (Diamond Stars).
