Nigerian Premier Football League Set to Drop Hammer on Indebted Clubs by July 31

by Devesh Jaganath

image Nigerian Premier Football League Set to Drop Hammer on Indebted Clubs by July 31
The Nigerian Premier Football League has sounded out a final warning to domestic clubs in debt, directing them to settle any and all outstanding salary obligations before July 31, 2026, or run the risk of an automatic transfer ban for the upcoming season.
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Transfer Ban Looms for 12 NPFL Clubs Ahead of 2026-27 Season

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has provided all clubs in the Nigerian top flight with a final warning, ordering them to settle outstanding salaries and other financial obligations owed to players and coaches by July 31, 2026. 

The league also instructed the clubs in default to fully comply with the rulings issued by the Players Status and Arbitration Committee (PSAC), which handles all contractual and employment disputes involving players, coaches, and clubs. 

As part of their final warning, the NPFL has advised that any club that fails to comply with PSAC decisions by the aforementioned deadline will be automatically barred from signing or registering new players until the outstanding obligations have been fulfilled. 

The NPFL affirmed that the directive set is designed to strengthen financial discipline, improve professionalism, and safeguard the welfare of players and coaches by ensuring all clubs honour their contractual commitments. 

According to the latest checks taken by the NPFL at the start of July, at least 12 of the league’s 20 clubs are currently subject to PSAC rulings. The salary clearance deadline also aligns with the wide-ranging reforms recently approved by the NSC and NFF. 

Kano Pillars Announce Daniel Ogunmodede as New Head Coach

Kano Pillars are set for a new era, having confirmed that Daniel Ogunmodede will be taking up the head coach role ahead of the 2026-27 season. 

The 46-year-old, who signed a two-year contract with the four-time domestic champions, has promised to justify the club’s faith in him and repay their confidence, while describing the warm reception he received as overwhelming. 

Ogunmodede takes up the head coaching role at Kano Pillars following the departure of Mohammed Babaganaru, who endured a disapointing campaign in 2025-26, finishing in 15th place and only narrowly avoiding relegation. 

He arrives at the helm with a solid pedigree, having led Remo Stars to their first-ever NPFL title in 2024-25. Ogunmodede is also expected to continue as the assistant coach of the Super Eagles under Eric Chelle for the foreseeable future.