Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season by adding several experienced Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars to their squad as they gear up for the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt club has secured the services of former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and ex-Abia Warriors defender Imo Obot, who previously earned an invitation to the Super Eagles. Awazie joins as an experienced winger, while Obot is renowned for his proficiency from set-piece situations.

The Pride of Rivers have also completed the signing of defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar from Enyimba as coach Finidi George continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Other new arrivals include former Abia Warriors defender Innocent Gabriel, Kano Pillars centre-back Muktar Mohammed, Plateau United midfielder Chinemerem Ugwueze, Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams, and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who returns to Rivers United after spending the last two seasons with Remo Stars.

The newly recruited players have already joined their teammates in training at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa as preparations intensify for the forthcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

The club is yet to formally unveil the latest additions, with an official announcement expected soon.

"An official statement will be made soon," Rivers United's Head of Media, Charles Mayuku, said when contacted by Complete Sports.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kun Khalifat have continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of four new players ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Owerri-based club confirmed the arrivals of Enyimba midfielder Hogan Umoh, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Chima Deruo, Bendel Insurance central defender Preye Seikrowei and Calabar Rovers defensive midfielder Ediri Ejogharado.

In a statement released by the club's media department, Kun Khalifat disclosed that all four players have completed their moves.

"For now, the four players have signed documents for us. It's already a done deal," the statement read.

The Pride of Imolites are reinforcing their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and are determined to put together a more competitive team for the upcoming campaign.

Head coach Obinna Uzoho is expected to rely on the new additions as Kun Khalifat seek to improve their fortunes and establish themselves in the NPFL during the 2026/27 season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie is closing in on a return to Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced shot-stopper is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Benin City club, with discussions progressing positively as both parties work towards finalising the deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Obasogie previously enjoyed a successful spell with Bendel Insurance, where he established himself as one of the league's standout goalkeepers before moving on to continue his career elsewhere.

His expected return is set to provide a significant boost for Kennedy Boboye's side as they strengthen their squad for the new season.

The 26-year-old would add experience, leadership and quality to the Benin Arsenals' goalkeeping department as the club targets a stronger campaign after narrowly missing out on continental qualification last season.

If the move is completed, Obasogie will also have the opportunity to relaunch his club career in familiar surroundings while continuing his quest to remain in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United have strengthened their squad with the signing of Sierra Leone international goalkeeper Francis Koroma on a free transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old joins the Chanji Boys ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as the club continues to reinforce its squad for the new season.

Koroma arrives with valuable international experience, having represented Sierra Leone at senior level, and is expected to add quality, competition and stability to Katsina United's goalkeeping department.

His arrival is another significant addition for the Chanji Boys as they seek to improve on their performances and enjoy a more successful outing in the forthcoming NPFL season.

The experienced goalkeeper completed the move as a free agent and will now look to establish himself as an important figure in Katsina United's squad during the 2026/27 campaign.

Rivers United have appointed defender Stephen Manyo as the club's new captain ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Manyo will lead the Pride of Rivers into a demanding campaign that includes both domestic competition and the CAF Champions League, where the Port Harcourt-based side will represent Nigeria.

The experienced defender is expected to provide leadership on and off the pitch as Rivers United seek to challenge for honours in the new season.

His appointment comes as the club continues to intensify preparations for another busy campaign following a series of impressive performances in recent years.

Rivers United will be aiming to mount a strong title challenge in the NPFL while also making a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, with Manyo's experience and influence expected to play a vital role in achieving those ambitions.

Rivers United have bolstered their squad with the signing of midfielder Chinemerem Collins Ugwueze from Plateau United ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old, who represented the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup in London, becomes one of the Pride of Rivers' latest additions as the club continues to strengthen its squad for the upcoming campaign.

Ugwueze is expected to bring quality, energy and added depth to the midfield as Rivers United prepare to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts.

With the club set to return to CAF inter-club competition, the Port Harcourt outfit has intensified its recruitment drive to build a squad capable of coping with the demands of a busy season.

The arrival of the former Plateau United midfielder underlines Rivers United's ambition to challenge for major honours in the NPFL while also making a strong impression in continental football.

Ugwueze is expected to play a key role in the club's pursuit of success during the 2026/27 campaign.

Bendel Insurance technical adviser Kennedy Boboye has challenged his players to raise their standards ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season as the club sets its sights on securing a top-three finish, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Benin-based club concluded the 2025/26 campaign in fifth place with 56 points, narrowly missing out on a continental ticket after falling short of the top three.

With the club determined to improve on last season's performance, Boboye has made it clear that his players must show greater consistency, commitment and ambition throughout the new campaign.

The experienced tactician also urged the squad to justify the club's commitment to improving players' welfare by delivering positive results and entertaining football.

"Management has assured us of improved welfare, so we have no reason not to deliver this time. We owe them and the fans winnings and fine football," Boboye said.

The former league-winning coach believes the improved support from the club's management should motivate the players to compete at a higher level as Bendel Insurance aim to return to continental football at the end of the season.

Kano Pillars have officially kicked off preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season after holding their first pre-season training session at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The opening training session was supervised by the club's technical crew, led by Ahmed Garba, popularly known as Yaro Yaro, alongside assistant coach Gambo Muhammad and goalkeeper trainer Suleiman Shuaibu.

Newly appointed Technical Adviser Daniel Ogunmodede is expected to arrive in Kano later this week to take charge of preparations following his appointment.

The highly rated tactician recently signed a two-year contract with the four-time NPFL champions after ending his successful spell with Remo Stars, where he guided the Ikenne-based club to their maiden league title.

Ogunmodede's arrival signals a new era for the Sai Masu Gida, who are aiming to rebuild after narrowly escaping relegation during a difficult 2025/26 campaign.

The experienced coach is expected to oversee the team's tactical preparations, player assessments and recruitment plans as Kano Pillars seek to assemble a competitive squad for the new season.

With pre-season now underway, the former league champions have set their sights on returning to the upper reaches of the NPFL table, challenging for the title and securing qualification for continental football at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes have completed the composition of their technical crew for the 2026/27 season following the appointments of Olatunji Abideen Baruwa and Bello Mohammed as the club's goalkeeper coaches, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Baruwa joins the Minna-based club as First Goalkeeper Coach after leaving Nasarawa United, where he built a strong reputation for developing goalkeepers and improving the team's performances between the sticks.

The experienced coach is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge to the "Ikon Allah Boys" as they intensify preparations for the new Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

Niger Tornadoes also confirmed the appointment of Bello Mohammed as Second Goalkeeper Coach, completing the goalkeeping unit within the club's technical department.

The club stated that the appointments bring an end to the recruitment process for the technical crew ahead of the 2026/27 season, with all key positions now filled.

The management expressed confidence that the assembled coaching staff possess the experience, technical expertise and professionalism needed to guide the team through a successful campaign.

With their backroom staff now fully in place, Niger Tornadoes will shift their attention to pre-season preparations as they aim to build a competitive squad capable of achieving their objectives in the upcoming NPFL season.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has tentatively fixed August 27 to 29 as the opening weekend for the 2026/27 season following a stakeholders' meeting involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), league officials and club owners in Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The proposed football calendar will see the new campaign run until May 28, 2027, with adequate provisions also made for the President Federation Cup to ensure a more structured and consistent domestic football schedule.

One of the biggest highlights of the new season is the introduction of a record ?1 billion prize for the league champions, following an announcement by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko.

The unprecedented prize money, the highest ever in Nigerian club football, is part of broader reforms designed to boost the commercial value of the NPFL, enhance competitiveness among clubs and attract increased investment into the country's top-flight league.

The 2026/27 campaign will also welcome four newly promoted clubs from the Nigeria National League (NNL). Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United all secured promotion after impressive performances during the 2025/26 NNL season and will replace the four teams relegated from the NPFL.

The quartet will join defending champions Enugu Rangers, who captured their ninth league title after finishing at the summit of the standings in the 2025/26 campaign.

Football authorities believe the proposed calendar will provide clubs with greater certainty in planning their activities while supporting ongoing efforts to improve the organisation, professionalism and commercial growth of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

If approved, the schedule is expected to ensure a smoother season with fewer disruptions, allowing clubs, players and stakeholders to better prepare for domestic and continental competitions.

El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Kibiru Dogo has emerged as one of the most sought-after managers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with several top-flight clubs reportedly interested in securing his services ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Dogo's impressive work with the Maiduguri-based side has attracted the attention of Niger Tornadoes, Enyimba and Kwara United, all of whom are believed to be exploring the possibility of appointing the experienced tactician.

The coach has enjoyed a successful spell with El-Kanemi Warriors and is currently preparing the team for the 2026 President Federation Cup final against Ikorodu City, where they will aim to add another major trophy to their achievements.

Despite that crucial fixture still to come, reports indicate that Niger Tornadoes have moved into pole position in the race for Dogo's signature as they seek to strengthen their technical department ahead of the new NPFL campaign.

The Minna-based club is understood to be keen on appointing the highly-rated coach as part of their plans to build a competitive squad capable of challenging in the league next season.

However, the competition for Dogo's services remains intense, with Enyimba and Kwara United continuing to monitor developments and expected to step up their interest once El-Kanemi Warriors complete their Federation Cup campaign.

With his reputation continuing to rise following his achievements in domestic football, Dogo is expected to be one of the most talked-about coaching figures in the NPFL during the current off-season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United has completed the signing of goalkeeper Clinton Andy Ezekiel from fellow top-flight side Bayelsa United ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ezekiel joins the Port Harcourt-based club on a one-year contract after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he established himself as one of Bayelsa United's standout performers.

The highly-rated goalkeeper attracted interest from several clubs following a series of assured performances between the sticks, but Rivers United moved swiftly to secure his services as they continue to strengthen their squad for the new season.

His arrival is expected to provide additional quality and competition in the club's goalkeeping department as Rivers United prepares for another demanding NPFL campaign.

The former Bayelsa United shot-stopper is expected to play a key role in the team's ambitions of challenging for domestic honours and securing another strong finish in the league.

Rivers United remain active in the transfer market and are expected to make further additions to their squad as preparations for the 2026/27 season gather pace.

The Port Harcourt club is aiming to assemble a competitive squad capable of competing at the highest level in Nigerian football while maintaining its status as one of the NPFL's leading sides.

Nigeria Premier Football League heavyweights Enyimba International and Kano Pillars have reportedly identified Daniel Ogunmodede as their preferred candidate for their vacant head coach positions following his departure from Remo Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ogunmodede recently brought an end to his remarkable 13-year journey with the Ikenne-based club, where he rose through the coaching ranks and established himself as one of the most respected tacticians in Nigerian football.

The experienced coach enjoyed a historic spell at Remo Stars, culminating in the club's maiden Nigeria Premier Football League title, a landmark achievement that further enhanced his reputation as one of the country's finest coaches.

His success was built on years of consistent progress, having transformed Remo Stars into one of the most competitive teams in the domestic league through an attractive style of play and a strong emphasis on youth development.

With both Enyimba and Kano Pillars seeking new leadership on the bench ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season, Ogunmodede has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate for both clubs.

Although neither Enyimba nor Kano Pillars has officially confirmed negotiations or announced an appointment, the former Remo Stars boss is believed to be high on the shortlist of both former league champions as they continue plans for the new campaign.

Ogunmodede's impressive record, tactical discipline, and proven ability to build competitive teams have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the NPFL, and his next destination is expected to attract significant attention across the Nigerian football landscape.

With pre-season preparations gathering momentum, both clubs are expected to intensify their search for a new manager in the coming weeks, while Ogunmodede's future remains one of the major talking points ahead of the new NPFL season.

Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees have officially been inducted into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ahead of the 2026/27 campaign after participating in the league's orientation programme for newly promoted clubs, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The induction exercise, organised by the NPFL management, was designed to familiarise the quartet with the operational procedures, regulations, and expectations of Nigeria's top-flight league before the start of the new season.

During the orientation programme, officials from the four clubs were taken through key areas of club licensing requirements, league operations, administrative procedures, and other regulatory guidelines necessary for participation in the NPFL.

The exercise forms part of the league body's efforts to ensure that newly promoted clubs are fully equipped to meet the operational, financial, and organisational standards required in the country's elite division.

Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees secured promotion after impressive campaigns and will now be looking to establish themselves among Nigeria's top-flight clubs in the forthcoming season.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026/27 campaign will continue on Tuesday when representatives of all 20 clubs expected to participate in the new NPFL season are scheduled to meet with league organisers.

The meeting is expected to address key issues ahead of the new campaign, including operational guidelines, fixtures, club licensing compliance, and other administrative matters as the countdown to another exciting NPFL season gathers pace.

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has stepped down from his role as Chairman of Kano Pillars, with Alhaji Ahmad Musbahu Garo appointed as his successor following a leadership reshuffle at the Nigeria Premier Football League club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Musa, who was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Sai Masu Gida, will now concentrate fully on his playing career while continuing to serve the club in his capacity as ambassador.

The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward remains an influential figure at Kano Pillars, with his experience and leadership expected to continue benefiting the club both on and off the pitch.

In his ambassadorial role, Musa will work to promote the club's image, strengthen its relationship with supporters, and contribute to its long-term development.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Alhaji Ahmad Musbahu Garo signals the beginning of a new era for Kano Pillars as preparations gather pace for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The new chairman is expected to oversee the club's administrative and strategic affairs, while Musa continues to provide leadership within the squad as one of the team's most experienced players.

With changes taking place both on and off the field, Kano Pillars will be aiming to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for honours in the upcoming NPFL campaign.

Nigeria Premier Football League newcomers Ranchers Bees have confirmed the appointment of veteran tactician Usman Abdallah as their new head coach on a two-year contract, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced coach joins the Kaduna-based club following his departure from former NPFL champions Remo Stars, bringing with him a wealth of managerial experience at the highest level of Nigerian football.

Abdallah has previously handled several top-flight clubs and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced coaches in the domestic game.

His appointment is viewed as a major statement of intent by Ranchers Bees as they prepare for their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The club's management believes Abdallah's experience, tactical knowledge and understanding of the NPFL will be crucial as the team seeks to establish itself among the country's elite clubs.

For Abdallah, the move represents a fresh challenge and an opportunity to lead one of Nigeria's historic football clubs back to prominence.

With the appointment now confirmed, Ranchers Bees are expected to step up their pre-season activities as preparations gather momentum for the new campaign.

Doma United FC have confirmed the appointment of coach Deji Ayeni as their new Technical Adviser on a two-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The NPFL newcomers announced the appointment as part of their preparations for life in the top flight following their promotion to the elite division. The club, nicknamed the Savannah Tigers, are aiming to strengthen their technical structure ahead of their maiden campaign at the highest level.

Ayeni brings extensive experience in Nigerian football, having previously managed several top-flight sides including Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and Enyimba.

His tactical discipline and deep knowledge of the domestic league are expected to play a key role in Doma United’s ambition to establish themselves among Nigeria’s elite clubs.

Club management expressed confidence that the experienced tactician is the right figure to lead the team into a new era and build a competitive squad capable of competing in the NPFL.

Ayeni’s immediate responsibility will be to oversee pre-season preparations as the club begins planning for its historic first season in the Nigerian top flight.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars FC have confirmed the departure of eight players following the expiration of their contracts at the end of the 2025/26 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The players leaving Sai Masu Gida are Muhammad Galadima, Ugochukwu Gabriel, Zahraddeen Bello, Williams Ayuba, Bernard Ovoke, Christian Izuchukwu, Sudais Ali Baba and Aliyu Yakubu.

In a statement released by the club, Kano Pillars expressed appreciation to the departing players for their dedication, professionalism and contributions during their time with the four-time NPFL champions.

The club acknowledged the role each player played in representing the team and thanked them for their commitment throughout their stay.

“Kano Pillars FC sincerely appreciates the commitment, professionalism, and contributions of the players during their time with the club,” the statement read.

The club also wished the players success in the next stage of their careers, stressing that they will always remain part of the Kano Pillars family.

Management, technical crew, staff and supporters joined in expressing gratitude to the outgoing players for their service to the club.

The departures mark the beginning of an expected squad overhaul as Kano Pillars intensify preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, with further additions and changes anticipated in the coming weeks.