Abuja: GTI Asset Management and Trust Ltd. has announced its target of securing an additional $20 million in partnerships to enhance the commercial value of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Mr. Nelson Ine, Executive Director of the company, revealed this ambition during the EuroMatch NPFL 2026/27 news conference held on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ine highlighted that this goal follows EuroMatch’s $7.5 million three-year title sponsorship agreement with the NPFL. He emphasized that the deal serves as a significant endorsement of ongoing efforts to transform the league into a commercially viable entity. The agreement, valued at $2.5 million annually, marks the beginning of attracting increased private-sector investment into the domestic league.
“We believe before the end of this year, we expect more partners to come onboard. Our target is at least to reach about $20 million before the end of next year, and Nigeria has the capacity to do far more than that,” Ine expressed.
Ine clarified that GTI, a strategic partner of the NPFL since 2022, operates beyond just sponsorship or financing. The company’s focus is on corporate governance, advisory, and funding, particularly stressing financial accountability and commercial growth. GTI has developed sponsorship opportunities across various categories to draw more corporate involvement.
He emphasized the need for the league’s commercial success to be supported by reforms in club licensing, infrastructure, broadcast production, financial reporting, data management, and communication. Stronger compliance and enforcement of club licensing and financial standards are essential to build investor confidence.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the presentation highlighted an increase in privately owned clubs in the NPFL from two in the 2022/23 season to seven in the current 2026/27 season. GTI’s reform agenda also includes infrastructure and matchday improvements, enhanced broadcast production, better data generation, and continuous publicity for the league.
Mr. Abubakar Lawal, the Group Managing Director of GTI, hailed the EuroMatch partnership as a landmark development, urging more corporate entities to invest in Nigerian football. He noted the NPFL’s rise to the fifth position in Africa and called for support to elevate the league to the top of the continental rankings.
In addition, Mr. Mitchell Obi, Executive Vice Chairman of Mastersports International, and Mr. Kunle Solaja, Publisher of Sports Village Square, both advocated for improved packaging, documentation, and analysis to boost the league’s appeal and unlock greater commercial opportunities. Solaja also suggested increased involvement of NPFL players in the national team to create financial prospects for local clubs.
GTI outlined its long-term vision to attract N50 billion in funding and elevate the NPFL into an asset valued at no less than N200 billion within five years. Such investment aims to support infrastructure development, enhance broadcast production, and increase player earnings, thereby solidifying the league’s standing in Africa.
The ongoing 2026/27 season operates under the EuroMatch NPFL commercial identity following the title sponsorship agreement valued at $7.5 million.