The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has launched its new official match balls, produced by Prostar Sports, ahead of the second stanza of the 2023/2024 season.
The league body announced that the first batch of match balls was delivered earlier this week, following extensive negotiations to ensure the balls met international football standards.
NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye explained that the delay in introducing the balls at the start of the season stemmed from the league’s commitment to quality.
“We wanted a ball of very high standard that aligns with international football competition requirements,” Elegbeleye said. “There was a rigorous process to ensure that what we introduced was suitable for professional players.”
Prostar Sports CEO, Paul Maduakor, expressed pride in finalizing the deal, describing it as a milestone for the Nigerian brand. “This partnership supports President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda by producing and supplying world-class sporting equipment for Africa’s biggest league,” Maduakor said.
The ball complies with FIFA Regulated International Match Standards and boasts advanced features such as a diamond-pattern soft-touch thermal bonded PU leather for durability and control, a micro-shell coated butyl bladder for air retention, and a 32-panel design for aerodynamic precision. It weighs 400-430 grams and is designed for professional-level performance.
The second stanza of the league kicks off Saturday, with Remo Stars leading the table with 36 points, followed by Rivers United on 34 points and Shooting Stars in third.
Meanwhile, Heartland FC has bolstered its squad for the NPFL second stanza with the signing of Joel Okoro.
Okoro, an enterprising midfielder, joins the Naze Millionaires from Nasarawa United. Having previously played for Rangers and Doma United, Okoro brings valuable NPFL experience to Emmanuel Amuneke’s youthful side.
In a related development, Super Eagles B and Remo Stars midfielder Jide Fatokun has completed a transfer to the Sudanese League. The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal with El Merrikh, as confirmed by Burundian journalist (@257foot) on social media.
Fatokun was instrumental in helping the Super Eagles B squad qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship.
Due to ongoing political instability in Sudan, both El Merrikh and Al Hilal are currently competing in the Mauritania League. Fatokun is expected to travel to Cairo in the coming days to finalize the details of his move.