NPFL takes Nigerian football to YouTube with new MBI streaming partnership
The NPFL has partnered with Murphy Ben International to stream selected league matches on YouTube, aiming to improve accessibility, fan engagement, commercial opportunities and the global visibility of Nigerian domestic football.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has entered a new era of digital broadcasting after unveiling a partnership with Murphy Ben International (MBI) that will bring selected league matches to fans through YouTube.
The agreement was announced at a signing ceremony attended by officials from both organisations and is designed to make NPFL football more accessible to supporters in Nigeria and around the world.
Selected matches to be streamed for free
Under the new arrangement, selected NPFL fixtures will be broadcast live on the league’s official YouTube channel, while delayed coverage of multiple matches will also be made available during matchdays.
NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye described the partnership as a significant development in the league’s efforts to address one of its long-standing challenges: limited access to live domestic football.
The new platform will allow supporters to watch matches on smartphones, televisions, laptops and other internet-connected devices, with selected coverage available free of charge and in high definition.
Partnership targets global audience
The deal followed several weeks of discussions between the NPFL and MBI, including meetings in Abuja and a visit by league officials to the company’s headquarters in Lagos.
Elegbeleye said the partnership was about more than simply televising matches. He believes greater digital exposure can increase the league’s commercial value while giving clubs and players an opportunity to reach audiences beyond Nigeria.
The initiative could also help supporters living abroad remain connected with their clubs and follow the development of players competing in the domestic league.
Digital strategy could benefit clubs and players
MBI chairman Murphy Anawana said the company would deploy its production expertise and social media reach to promote the NPFL and showcase its clubs, players, coaches and supporters to a wider international audience.
The partnership will also focus on digital storytelling, fan engagement and commercial opportunities, with the aim of strengthening the league’s identity and visibility.
For an NPFL competition that has produced numerous notable players and clubs over the years, improved access to matches could provide an important platform for attracting new supporters and commercial partners.
The YouTube initiative therefore represents a significant attempt by the NPFL to modernise how its product is consumed while bringing Nigerian domestic football closer to its existing and potential global audience.
