NPFL Clubs Criticized for Unprofessional Recruitment

Most Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs are facing criticism for their unprofessional recruitment practices as they prepare for the new season. Since the end of the 2026 season, clubs have consistently announced the arrival of multiple new players, often signing 10 to 15 players in a single transfer window.

This high turnover results in teams frequently reshuffling the same pool of experienced players rather than developing emerging talents. Notable player movements include Jonathan Mairiga, who left Wikki Tourists for Bendel Insurance, Zayyad Musa moving from El-Kanemi Warriors to Kano Pillars, and Abdulraheem Shola transferring from Kwara United to Kano Pillars.

Transfers in the NPFL are predominantly free, with clubs failing to generate revenue through player sales, as sign-on fees have been abolished. Consequently, financial details of transfers are rarely disclosed, leading to a lack of transparency regarding player movements and financial compensation for clubs.