The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) may soon see the return of a title sponsor, as GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, a strategic partner to the league, is reportedly finalizing details with a firm for this coveted sponsorship.
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This development comes after the league has operated without a title sponsor since Globacom’s withdrawal from sponsorship during the 2016/2017 season.
Sources within GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited have indicated that an announcement regarding the new title sponsor for the league, along with other partnerships, is expected to be made in the coming week. This news reflects a growing interest in the NPFL, both domestically and internationally.
A broker who attended a recent meeting with GTI conveyed that the company is actively working on securing the title sponsorship deal. The source also clarified that the league does not operate on a “winner-takes-all” model, dispelling rumors to the contrary. Instead, the league offers graduated prizes to the participating clubs.
GTI made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that the winning club in the upcoming NPFL season will be awarded a prize of N150 million, a notable increase from the N100 million given to Enyimba for clinching the 2022/2023 season title.
GTI/TNFF Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, confirmed this development in a statement, reaffirming the company’s commitment to working closely with the newly inaugurated Board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) under the leadership of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye to ensure a successful season.
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Meanwhile, the NPFL curtain-raiser fixture for the 2023/24 season will be a solitary game taking place in Ibadan. NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, explained that this decision follows the tradition established last season, where only one fixture took place on the opening day, with the remaining nine games played the following weekend.
This tradition aims to create a sense of anticipation for the new league season.
The curtain-raiser fixture will feature Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) hosting former champions, Plateau United, at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, on September 9.
Additionally, this match will mark a milestone as the first to be streamed on the new NPFLLive app, which will allow fans to follow the action on their mobile phones and other devices.
In further preparations for enhanced viewing experiences, the authorities of the Lekan Salami Stadium have completed the construction of a camera stand with a safe staircase, providing an ideal setup for AI camera crews and commentators. These developments signify a positive trajectory for the NPFL and its potential for growth and appeal in the coming season.
