Following the significant increase to the prize money for winners of Nigeria’s top-flight football league, strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their renewed commitment to the development and transformation of the NPFL.

This was detailed in a press statement in Lagos, under the signature of its Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, the GTI described the decision as a bold and encouraging step that reflects the determination of Nigeria’s sports administrators to reposition the NPFL as a more competitive and commercially attractive league, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“GTI commends this progressive initiative. Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness, and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football. Additional financial commitment from the NSC to strengthen the operations of the NPFL will further accelerate its development,” Ekejiuba said.

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He also paid tribute to NPFL Board and GTI Group, for their unwavering commitment over the past four years to advancing and repositioning the league through innovative reforms, strategic investments, and a clear vision for sustainable football development.

“The contributions of GTI Group cannot be overlooked. Over the last four years, we have remained steadfast in supporting the NPFL and helping to lay the foundation for a more structured, commercially viable, and globally competitive football league. Our vision and commitment have continued to inspire confidence in the future of Nigerian club football, particularly through the extensive work of strengthening the league’s corporate governance, commercial value and making it more attractive to investors.”

Ekejiuba emphasized that effective synergy among football’s key institutions is essential for meaningful progress.

“This collaboration is not an end in itself but a means to an end, because it serves as catalyst upon which the real work continues.”

While expressing optimism about the recent developments, Ekejiuba cautioned against premature celebration.

“It is not yet time to celebrate because there is still a great deal of work to be done. Beyond increasing prize money, we must continue to strengthen governance, improve club licensing, enhance infrastructure, improve quality of production, create efficient content and data management, ensure financial accountability, deepen fan engagement, and build confidence among corporate Nigeria and international investors.

“In line with GTI’s vision, our commitment remains to work closely with the NPFL in order to build an accountable, transparent, and conducive football ecosystem that will naturally attract more partners, corporate sponsors, and investors to Nigeria’s elite league. This is how sustainable growth is achieved and a clear pathway to building one of Africa’s most respected football leagues.

“This collaboration between the NSC and NFF further compliments the efforts of the NPFL Board and GTI. We therefore, welcome more partners to join this transformation journey because the current value including the grant recently announced represents less than two per cent of the league’s overall potential revenues which we expect to unlock over the next five years,” he concluded.

Manchester City Appoint Enzo Maresca as New Manager After Guardiola Era Ends
Manchester City have officially appointed Italian coach Enzo Maresca as their new manager, marking the beginning of a new chapter following the departure of long-serving boss Pep Guardiola.

The Premier League champions confirmed the appointment on Monday, announcing that Maresca has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.

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The 46-year-old returns to Manchester City for his third spell at the club after previously serving in coaching roles before managing Leicester City and Chelsea.

Reacting to his appointment, Maresca described the opportunity as a dream come true.

“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” he said.

He praised the club’s structure and professionalism, saying City is “an incredibly well-run football club” where everything is “innovative, planned and purposeful.”

According to Maresca, such an environment provides the stability every manager needs to succeed.

“This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations,” he added.

The Italian coach also expressed gratitude to the club’s hierarchy for trusting him with the role.

“The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”

Maresca now faces the task of building on the remarkable success achieved under Guardiola as Manchester City prepare for a new era under his leadership.

The president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al-Misehal, has resigned following the Green Falcons’ disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the group stage.

Saudi Arabia finished at the bottom of Group H with just two points after recording 1-1 and 0-0 draws against Uruguay and Cape Verde respectively, before suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

Announcing his decision in a statement posted on X on Sunday, Al-Misehal accepted full responsibility for the team’s poor performance and apologised to Saudi football supporters.

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“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position,” he said.

He added that stepping aside was necessary to allow the federation begin a fresh chapter.

“A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term.”

Al-Misehal served as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for seven years and was instrumental in securing Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a key part of the kingdom’s broader economic diversification agenda.

The resignation comes after a difficult period for Saudi football. Earlier this year, a string of poor performances in international friendly matches led to the dismissal of French coach Hervé Renard during his second spell in charge of the national team after replacing Italian manager Roberto Mancini.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s massive investment of nearly $2 billion in football over the past three years—including attracting global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League—the national team failed to make an impact at the tournament.

The 2026 tournament marked Saudi Arabia’s third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, but their campaign ended with an early elimination.