Ikpeme, Abdulrahaman take charge of NFF, NPFL

Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman have assumed leadership roles at the Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigeria Premier Football League, respectively, as the National Sports Commission seeks to maintain stability in football administration following the resignation of key federation officials. The National Sports Commission appointed Ikpeme, previously the Deputy General Secretary, as interim General Secretary of the NFF, with Dr Ademola Olajire taking over as interim Deputy General Secretary.

Abdulrahaman, appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, brings extensive experience in sports administration to his new position. The appointments followed the resignations of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the federation's Executive Committee on Thursday.

On the same day, the new football season began with a match between Shooting Stars and Inter Lagos FC at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan. The National Sports Commission has suspended all processes related to the NFF Elective Congress, originally scheduled for September 27, and has called for a new electoral process to commence once comprehensive reforms are completed in consultation with FIFA and CAF.

President Bola Tinubu's directive to overhaul Nigerian football administration aims to address the country's persistent struggles to qualify for major tournaments, citing structural weaknesses within the sport as the primary issue.