Ben Iroha Hails Elegbeleye for Changing the Fortunes of NPFL 

Ex international, Ben Iroha, has given a pat on the back to the Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, declaring that he has changed the face of the Nigerian topflight league.

The United States of America-based former Nigerian defence strongman who was in Uyo over the weekend to see the Super Eagles play Rwanda in the final AFCON 2025 qualifier, disclosed that he has been following the nation’s domestic league from his base.

Iroha who was full of praise for the NPFL boss said it is good to see that Hon Elegbeleye has changed the face of the league for good.

“Hon Gbenga (Elegbeleye) has changed a lot of things. I have been following the league closely and I am impressed with the job he is doing. Just last weekend Kano Pillars returned to their base and the visiting team secured a draw in Kano. Pillars also won some weeks back in Enugu. 

“Beyond the improvement in officiating, there is improved security at match venues and this is why the referees are bold enough to officiate fairly. We are gradually going back to the good old days,” reasoned Iroha.

He stressed further that:  “Don’t forget that as a player, I played for several clubs in Nigeria. I played for Falcons of Aba that is today Enyimba. I played for Heartland before going Overseas. Our league is getting back to what it used to be. I want to tell Hon Elegbeleye not to relent. He is doing an excellent job. Hon Elegbeleye is a person that I have known for over two decades and I know he is a serious minded person. I want corporate bodies to come and support and identify with the ongoing turn around,” the former Super Eagles defender further observed.

Iroha stressed that with corporate support, players would be well paid at home and situation which he noted would help the Super Eagles.

“You can see that South Africa has a good number of their players plying their trade at home. This is because those playing at home are well paid. My appeal is that corporate bodies should support the NPFL so that clubs at home can retain some of their best legs. That way, we won’t be relying 100 percent on foreign-based players to prosecute our matches,” he observed further.

Iroha expressed confidence that the Eagles would get back on track when the World Cup 2026 qualifiers resume early next year, even as he congratulated Augustine Eguavoen and his players for landing in Morocco for next year’s AFCON.