In a landmark move to bring Nigerian football closer to the fans, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has sealed a strategic partnership with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to enhance nationwide radio broadcasts of league matches.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja, aims to revolutionize domestic football coverage, ensuring millions of Nigerians—both in urban centers and remote villages—can follow live match commentaries, expert analyses, and exclusive player and coach interviews.
Bringing Football Back to the People
For decades, radio has been the heartbeat of football storytelling in Nigeria. From the golden era of the 1960s to the 1980s, legendary commentators captivated audiences with electrifying match-day coverage, making local footballers household names. NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, believes this renewed partnership will restore that tradition and reignite passion for the domestic game.
“Radio remains the most accessible medium for football coverage. While television requires viewers to be at home, radio allows fans to stay connected from anywhere—on the farm, in the office, or on the road,” Elegbeleye stated.
He emphasized how past generations could recognize players purely from radio commentary, adding, “Back in the day, people knew our players by name because of live commentary. When you don’t run commentaries, there’s no way fans can recognize footballers. But when a player’s name is mentioned frequently, he becomes well-known.”
Restoring NPFL’s Glory and Attracting Sponsors
The partnership is expected to boost the NPFL’s popularity, increasing its commercial value by attracting sponsors and advertisers eager to tap into radio’s extensive reach. Experts believe that a consistent media presence will help bridge the gap between clubs and their supporters, enhancing fan engagement and stadium attendance.
FRCN Director-General, Mohammed Bulama, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to rekindling the excitement of Nigerian football. He recalled how, in the past, fans would bring their radios to stadiums, preferring live commentary even while watching the game.
“This was a period when Radio Nigeria dominated sports commentary, driving national football enthusiasm to unparalleled heights,” Bulama said. He noted that in recent years, the decline in radio coverage has contributed to fans shifting their attention to foreign leagues.
To reverse this trend, the NPFL-FRCN partnership will deliver high-quality match-day broadcasts and behind-the-scenes insights, bringing Nigerian footballers closer to their fans. The initiative will also serve as a catalyst for player development, as increased media exposure enhances their marketability both locally and internationally.
New Beginnings for NPFL
This partnership is more than just a media deal—it’s a statement of intent. It signals the NPFL’s ambition to re-establish itself as one of Africa’s top leagues by improving visibility, accessibility, and overall fan experience.
With top-tier radio coverage now back in play, stakeholders are optimistic that Nigerian football will regain its lost glory. As the NPFL embarks on this new journey, fans can once again look forward to the thrill of live match-day radio broadcasts, expert analysis, and the electrifying atmosphere that only football can provide.
