Euromatch Partnership Signals New Era For NPFL, Says GTI

The Group Managing Director of GTI Group, Abubakar Lawal, has called on corporate Nigeria and businesses outside the country to invest more in the Nigeria Premier Football League, describing the competition as a major commercial and socio-economic opportunity.

Lawal made the call at a media parley heralding the commencement of the 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League season.

He also welcomed Euromatch to the NPFL, describing the company’s decision to invest in the league as a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian football and the enormous opportunities within the country’s domestic sports ecosystem.

‘Your decision to invest in the NPFL is a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian football and in the enormous opportunities that exist within our domestic sports ecosystem and the economy at large,’ Lawal said.

According to him, Euromatch’s entry into the NPFL goes beyond a commercial partnership, as it demonstrates the growing potential of the league to become one of the most compelling football properties on the African continent.

Lawal noted that the NPFL operates in a country of more than 230 million people with millions of passionate football followers, a rich pool of young talent and a football culture deeply embedded in the national identity.

He said the domestic league had consistently provided a platform for players who later excelled with the Super Eagles and at major clubs around the world, adding that every NPFL season presents an opportunity to discover the next generation of Nigerian football stars.

‘The NPFL is currently ranked fifth in Africa by FIFA, a position that reflects the quality, competitiveness and growing stature of our elite domestic competition. But we must not be satisfied with fifth place,’ Lawal said.

‘Our ambition must be to build an NPFL that competes among the very best leagues in Africa and, ultimately, becomes a globally recognised football brand.’

The GTI boss therefore urged more businesses to identify with the NPFL, stressing that investment in the league could deliver significant commercial benefits while also contributing to the development of young Nigerians.

‘The NPFL offers enormous possibilities for companies seeking visibility, brand engagement, community impact and long-term commercial opportunities,’ he said.

‘Our football clubs are spread across the country, giving sponsors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with diverse communities and millions of passionate consumers.’

Lawal added that investment in the NPFL should not be viewed solely from the perspective of commercial returns, arguing that stronger private-sector involvement would also contribute to talent development, employment, entertainment, grassroots football and the future of the Super Eagles.

‘At GTI Group, our strategic partnership with the NPFL is driven by the belief that Nigerian football can become a powerful economic and social enterprise as we make efforts to put right structures, investment and professionalism together,’ he said.

He stressed that all stakeholders had a role to play in transforming the domestic game, including government, club owners, the Nigeria Football Federation, the media and supporters, but maintained that the private sector had a particularly important role.

‘Today, Euromatch has demonstrated what is possible when corporate vision meets sporting potential,’ Lawal said.

He also commended the Federal Government for creating an environment capable of attracting major investment into Nigerian football and praised Euromatch for joining the NPFL family.

‘The future of the NPFL is bright. The opportunity is enormous. The time to invest is now,’ he said.