Abuja — The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has entered into an agreement with sports ware manufacturing company, NIKE for the production of football with NPL, Globacom and the Premier League Bank inscribed on the ball.

Also, NIKE will henceforth manufacture jerseys for players in the 20 Premier League clubs.Chairman of NPL, Chief Oyuki Obaseki said during the 23rd board meeting held yesterday at the ultra-modern secretariat acquired by NPL that, the ball will be supplied to all the Premier League clubs and would now be used during the season.Obaseki, who thanked God for assisting NPL to acquire the new secretariat said that within 3 years of existence, NPL has been able to acquire other assets such as 9,700 square metres of land from FCDA, bought a secretariat, acquire referees' communication gadgets, entered into a contract with England-based soft drink company for manufacturing of Lucozade sports drink to be supplied to all the 20 clubs to be taken by football players during matches.

NPL boss disclosed that FIFA had adjudged the Nigeria Premier League 4th in Africa and 36th in the world, noting that by next FIFA ranking, NPL would be top of Africa.He said that technical experts are being expected from England to teach Nigeria referee on the use of the communication equipment during the mid season seminar scheduled for January 25-30, 2009. The new secretariat and the guest house he said would be unveiled during the seminar.Obaseki said NPL has also established a medical unit and would be handled by Marine Medical Service which is expected to take care of all the NPL staff."We have insurance policy for all the players and official and all the players must undergo a routine medical check up during the season to avoid casualties during matches, besides it is one way we can develop the league."