The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed all participating clubs to upgrade key stadium facilities ahead of the 2025/26 season, warning that non-compliance may result in losing the right to host home matches.
The directive comes just weeks after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, which ended with Remo Stars clinching their maiden league title. With the new campaign set to kick off in August, the NPFL board has emphasized the importance of improving stadium infrastructure to meet league standards.
In a letter addressed to the clubs and signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the NPFL mandated the installation of standard LED floodlights and reliable backup generators as part of minimum requirements.
“Clubs must install and maintain LED floodlights that meet the required illuminance levels to facilitate night matches,” the statement read. “A reliable backup power source is mandatory to guarantee uninterrupted lighting during games, even if the main electricity supply fails.”
The league body added that these upgrades, along with other Grade A infrastructure requirements, must be fully functional before the routine stadium inspection begins. Clubs that fail to comply risk being barred from using their preferred home grounds for the upcoming season.
This is not the first time the NPFL has enforced such measures. In previous seasons, several clubs were denied the right to host games on their home turf due to substandard facilities.
With the relegation of Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars, and Lobi Stars, the league will feature Remo Stars and 15 other top-flight teams, awaiting the addition of four newly promoted clubs from the Nigeria National League.
