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Sadiq Umar of Valencia. Copyright: ImagoxJosexTorresx<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Valencia striker Sadiq Umar has spoken out regarding two critical issues currently facing the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bThe 2025\/2026 NPFL season ended in May 2026, with Enugu Rangers clinching their ninth league title. <\/p>\n Rivers United finished as runners-up, while Shooting Stars secured the third spot. Consequently, these clubs will represent Nigeria in continental competitions, with Shooting Stars making their first appearance in 27 years.<\/p>\n \u200bAs the new season approaches, the National Sports Commission announced a major increase in prize money for the league. <\/p>\n According to the chairman, the league winner will now receive \u20a61 billion\u2014a significant jump from the previous prize of \u20a6200 million. The runner-up will receive \u20a6800 million, while the third-place finisher will take home \u20a6700 million. Furthermore, the commission has established a minimum monthly wage of \u20a62 million for players.<\/p>\n \u200bDespite these financial improvements, Super Eagles international Sadiq has highlighted two areas that must be addressed to bring the league in line with international standards.<\/p>\n \u200bSadiq Umar, who currently plies his trade for La Liga side Valencia, expressed a strong desire to see the domestic league flourish. As a key stakeholder in Ranchers Bees\u2014who recently earned promotion to the top flight \u2014 Umar has a vested interest in the league’s development.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201dI wish I could wake up at 4:00 PM and watch Kano Pillars play against Ranchers Bees or watch Enyimba play. I wish I could do that, but it is not possible,\u201d Umar stated<\/a>, lamenting the current lack of accessibility to live league coverage.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u200bThe Nigeria international further identified officiating as another critical challenge. He specifically criticized the current practice of requiring home clubs to handle logistics for match officials.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201dThe referees should be managed by the league body, not the clubs,\u201d Umar said. \u201cIf you send me a referee and I am the one providing his hotel accommodation and feeding, naturally, you cannot expect him to officiate impartially against my team.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u200bThe 29-year-old striker is a highly respected figure, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and he will be hoping his Ranchers Bees side performs well in their upcoming campaign. <\/p>\n Perhaps, in the twilight of his career, he will follow in the footsteps of Ahmed Musa and return to play for his club on home soil.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/4UrTv5PNJdMDzR-DeD3QPS84un0=\/1200x800\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F05%2FNS-2-Photo-Frame-Email-Soccernet-1.png\")
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Soccer \u200bHow The NPFL Can Be Better- Sadiq Umar<\/h2>\n
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