NPFL partners FRCN to boost Nigerian football coverage

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the coverage and promotion of domestic football across the country.

The partnership will see the FRCN provide live match commentary, analyses, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and league officials. Speaking at the event, the NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigerian football.

He noted that the collaboration is expected to boost the league’s popularity, attract sponsorships, and enhance fan engagement, ultimately contributing to the growth of professional football in Nigeria.

Elegbeleye emphasised that working with FRCN will bring the NPFL closer to millions of football fans, especially those in rural areas who rely on radio for sports updates. He said: “Television is what we call direct-to-home. You have to be home to watch television. But with radio, you can be anywhere, on your farmland, in your office, or on the road, and still follow live updates. And know what is going on everywhere in the country and the rest of the world.

“Our football ecosystem needs this relationship with the Federal Radio Corporation to ensure the entire country listens to our athletes on match days. This will promote the league and boost Nigeria’s football industry.” He further highlighted how radio commentary played a key role in the past, helping fans familiarise themselves with local players and clubs.

“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 recognise footballers. But when a player’s name is mentioned frequently, he becomes