By Korede James
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has released the new official match balls produced by Prostar Sports ahead of the second stanza of this season.
The league body said a statement on its website said the unveiling followed the delivery of the first batch of the match balls from Prostar Sports earlier this week.
Speaking on the development, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye noted that negotiations for the partnership dragged beyond the first stanza because both parties, including the league body’s investment partners, GTI Assets Management, wanted to ensure a thorough understanding of obligations of all parties.
“Ideally, the official match balls would have been introduced at the start of the season but we wanted to ensure that we got a ball that is of very high standard,” Elegbeleye said.
“There was an issue of ensuring that the balls met international football competition standards so our players won’t get used to playing sub-standard balls.
“So, we had lots of going forth and back until we were satisfied with what they were bringing to the table.”
The CEO of Prostar Sports, Paul Maduakor, expressed delight at finalising, describing the negotiation process as very meticulous.
“It is a major breakthrough for us at Prostar Sports, a proudly Nigerian brand keying into President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to produce and supply sporting equipment of international standard for the NPFL, the biggest league in Africa,” he said.
“Doing business with the NPFL allows us to contribute to the growth of local talent and elevate the professional football experience in the country.”
Maduakor emphasised that the ball complies with FIFA Regulated International Match Standards, ensuring it is suitable for competitive play at the highest level.
According to the NPFL, the size 5 ball is crafted with diamond-pattern soft-touch thermal bonded PU leather, ensuring exceptional durability, control, and a premium feel for players.
The ball features a micro-shell coated butyl bladder, providing superior air retention and consistent shape, even under intense match and weather conditions.
The design is said to incorporate 32 panels, delivering aerodynamic stability and precision during gameplay.
It has a weight of 400-430 grams, a bounce range of 1.1-1.4 meters, and engineered to meet the needs of professional-level football.
The second stanza of the league will begin on Saturday.
Remo Stars, on 36 points, currently top the table, with Rivers United second on 34 points while Shooting Stars occupy third place on 33 points.
