The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially announced that the first transfer window for the 2024/2025 season will close on September 5th, 2024. This information was shared by the NPFL board via their official Twitter account.

As the transfer window nears its end, this marks the final chance for NPFL clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season. Teams across the league have been actively involved in the transfer market, aiming to enhance their rosters for what is expected to be another fiercely competitive season in Nigerian top-flight football.

Rangers International, the reigning champions of the 2023/2024 NPFL season, are among the clubs making strategic signings to maintain their dominance. The Enugu-based side is determined to defend their title and continue their successful run in the upcoming campaign, with the transfer window playing a vital role in their preparations.

With the deadline fast approaching, clubs are working tirelessly to finalize any last-minute deals, with several key players likely to make moves before the window closes. The NPFL board’s announcement has intensified the ongoing negotiations as teams race against time to complete their squads.

As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, all eyes will be on how the new signings will influence the league. The closure of the transfer window on September 5th will pave the way for the kickoff of what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season in Nigerian football.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled plans to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), according to Theathletic.com.ng

NFF President Ibrahim Misa Gusau announced this initiative during the opening match of the premier league between Rangers International and Wikki Tourists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Gusau highlighted the critical need for skilled professionals to manage the VAR system, stressing that the NFF is committed to ensuring that only qualified and well-trained personnel operate the technology.

To achieve this, the NFF plans to begin by training and retraining officials to ensure efficiency and high-quality service delivery.

In addition to introducing VAR, Gusau also outlined other improvements planned for the 2024/25 season. These include equipping referees with communication gadgets that will allow them to communicate with their assistants without needing face-to-face consultations.

The NFF President reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to raising the NPFL to international standards. “We are working towards elevating the league to international standards. VAR will soon be introduced, but our priority is to first train the personnel who will manage it to avoid any errors during its use,” Gusau stated.

The implementation of VAR is expected to significantly improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions in the NPFL, aligning the league with international best practices.

The NFF’s investment in both technology and training underscores its dedication to advancing Nigerian football.

As the new season progresses, fans can anticipate a more precise and efficient refereeing system, thanks to the introduction of VAR and enhanced communication tools. The NFF’s ongoing efforts to enhance the NPFL will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of football in Nigeria.

Victor Osimhen has completed a one-season loan move to Galatasaray after being sidelined from Napoli’s Serie A squad.

Napoli’s director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed last month that Osimhen requested a transfer from the club, which he played a key role in leading to a Scudetto victory in the 2022-23 season.

Osimhen had been linked with Chelsea and Al-Ahli, but negotiations stalled due to Chelsea’s reluctance to meet his wage demands and his own hesitation to move to Saudi Arabia.

Initially, it seemed Osimhen might have to remain inactive for four months before seeking a new opportunity, but Galatasaray stepped in just before the Turkish Super Lig transfer window closed on September 13.

The Istanbul club will cover Osimhen’s entire salary, and the loan agreement includes a break clause in January.

In their announcement, Galatasaray confirmed that no loan fee would be paid for Osimhen, who will earn a salary of €6 million.

Napoli has also reportedly agreed with Osimhen to lower his release clause from €130 million to €80 million, paving the way for a future transfer.

Additionally, Napoli has secured an option to extend Osimhen’s contract, which currently runs until 2026, by an additional 12 months to protect his market value if a sale cannot be arranged next year.

Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has scored 65 league goals, placing him 12th on the club’s all-time Serie A scoring list. Despite an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, he managed to net 15 times, following a 26-goal performance that helped Napoli claim their first Serie A title since the Diego Maradona era.