NPFL opens mid-season transfer window as coaches eye stronger performances

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially announced the opening of the 2024-25 mid-season transfer window.

The window will run from January 6th to February 5th, 2025, providing clubs an opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of the second half of the season.

The first stanza of the season concluded on Tuesday, with a crucial fixture between Enyimba and Bendel Insurance in Aba which ended goalless.

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With the league on a three-week break following the conclusion of match-day 19 fixtures., some coaches have expressed desire to improve the fortunes of their clubs when the second stanza resumes.

Meanwhile, El Kanemi Warriors’ Technical Adviser, Aliyu Zubair, is optimistic about his team’s prospects in the second stanza.

Speaking after their 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars on Sunday in Maiduguri, Zubair expressed confidence that his team, which currently sits in fifth place, could surpass expectations and finish even higher.

“So far, the team has performed averagely well considering we were just promoted from the NNL. However, there’s room for improvement,” Zubair stated.

He emphasized the need to fortify the squad across all departments, adding, “Our ultimate target is to finish among the top five, a realistic goal without putting unnecessary pressure on the players.”

El Kanemi Warriors have had an impressive first round, amassing 29 points from seven wins, eight draws, and just four losses. The team scored 19 goals, conceded 18, and secured nine clean sheets.

Elsewhere, Lobi Stars Chairman, Dr. Philip Nongu, has expressed renewed confidence in his team’s ability to turn their season around.

Despite struggling in the first half and occupying 17th position with 20 points, Dr. Nongu assured fans of a stronger showing in the second stanza.

“Our players will return with renewed energy and determination to improve on the league table and make our supporters proud,” he stated.

In the same vein, Heartland technical adviser, Emmanuel Amuneke has commended his youthful squad for their bravery in the first stanza of the league.

The Naze Millionaires ended the first half of the season in 14th position with 22 points from 19 games.

Amuneke has reiterated the club’s desire to give the young players chance to grow with the team.

“I think I find it necessary that we make a place where we continue to encourage our young players because it’s through those channels that they go through that will make them mature and be much better player,” Amuneke told Heartland’s media.