By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Aug. 5, 2025 (NAN) In a decisive move to bolster players’ welfare in Nigerian football, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has announced the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kalu Chijioke as the Director of Players’ Safety and Security.
The appointment was formally communicated to the Force Sports Officer, CP Tony Emefile, psc, fsi via an official letter signed by the NANPF leadership and addressed to the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.
NANPF, an affiliate of both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represents the collective interests and welfare of professional footballers across Nigeria.
The union is currently headed by former Nigerian international, Abe Sunday.
In the appointment letter, the union expressed confidence in CSP Kalu Chijioke’s extensive experience in sports administration and his longstanding commitment to the well-being of Nigerian athletes.
According to NANPF, his leadership will ensure the implementation of critical safety and security policies that safeguard players both on and off the pitch.
“CSP Kalu’s unconfined passion and professional track record make him the ideal candidate for this role,” the statement read.
“His involvement will empower the Union and, by extension, all Nigerian professional footballers to benefit from expert safety and security guidance as they carry out their daily activities.”
The union also called for the full support and cooperation of relevant law enforcement and sports bodies to ensure CSP Kalu Chijioke functions effectively in his new role.
This landmark appointment signals NANPF’s renewed commitment to players’ safety and sets a new benchmark for professional athlete support in Nigerian football.
CSP Kalu Chijioke Erem, a member of the NPF Sports Planning Committee, also serves on the board of the Mixed Martial Arts Federation and is a member of the NOC Technical & Development Committee.
He is expected to bring his 20 years of law enforcement experience to bear in opening a new chapter for players’ welfare and safety in Nigeria.(NAN)
