NPFL names Yakmut, Enakhena, GTI's Ine in commercial committee reform

NPFL names Yakmut, Enakhena, GTI's Ine in commercial committee reform

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has moved to strengthen its commercial backbone, naming Alhassan Yakmut, Sporting Lagos Chairman Godwin Enakhena and representative of GTI, Nelson Ine as members of its newly inaugurated Committee on Commercial Reforms with Enakhena serving as secretary.

The appointment was ratified today in Abuja during a high-level strategy session convened by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In attendance were the NPFL Board, Chairmen of NPFL Clubs, and General Managers, all aligned on one goal: repositioning the league before the 2026/2027 season kicks off.

The NPFL Board cited his proven track record across sports journalism, football administration, sports marketing, and commercial development as decisive. His blend of media insight and boardroom experience is expected to add real weight to the committee’s work.

Committee Mandate: Rebuild, Rebrand, Revenue

The group has a clear brief — overhaul the NPFL’s commercial architecture and transform it into a financially sustainable, commercially viable, and globally competitive league.

Core Terms of Reference:

1. Audit & Overhaul: Review current sponsorship, marketing, and commercial frameworks to identify gaps.

2. New Revenue Streams: Propose fresh, sustainable income channels beyond traditional sources.

3. Rights & Visibility: Craft strategies to boost sponsorship value, broadcast deals, digital media presence, merchandising, and commercial rights.

4. Fan & Brand Growth: Design innovative fan engagement and activation campaigns to elevate the NPFL brand.

5. Policy Shift: Recommend institutional and policy reforms to professionalize commercial operations and cut over-reliance on external funding.

6. Global Benchmarking: Study best practices from top leagues worldwide and adapt what fits the Nigerian context.

7. Deadline: Deliver a full report with actionable recommendations to the NPFL Board within *three weeks.

Committee Composition: NPFL Commercial Reforms

1. Alhassan S. Yakmut, PhD — Chairman

2. Danladi Ibrahim, Esq. — Member

3. Taiwo Salami — Member

4. Davidson Owumi — Member

5. Nelson Ine — Member

6. Godwin Enakhena — Member/Secretary

The NPFL Board expressed full confidence in the team, noting that their collective expertise will be critical to driving the commercial transformation the league needs.