NPFL Confirms August 22 Kickoff, Unveils 2025/26 Fixtures

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially confirmed that the 2025/26 season will kick off between August 22 and 24, unveiling a blockbuster set of opening fixtures during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and draw ceremony held on Monday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The headline fixture of the opening weekend sees reigning champions Remo Stars hosting last season’s runners-up Rivers United at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, setting an electrifying tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive NPFL seasons yet.

The ceremonial draw, attended by club executives, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) representatives, ex-internationals, media professionals, and league stakeholders, reflected growing confidence in the league’s progress and operational credibility.

 

Full Opening Day Fixtures:
Remo Stars vs Rivers United

Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars

Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United

Rangers vs Kun Khalifat (promoted)

Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United

Barau FC (promoted) vs Enyimba

Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance

Kwara United vs Ikorodu City

Speaking at the AGM, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted major strides made in the 2024/25 season, citing a sharp rise in match attendance, improved TV coverage, and the return of prominent ex-Super Eagles players to the league as key drivers of momentum.

“There was a significant increase in numbers at our games as our league grew in popularity, with the notable return of ex-internationals such as Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars, Brown Ideye to Enyimba, and Godwin Obaje to Rangers,” Elegbeleye said.

He also reiterated the league’s zero-tolerance policy on crowd violence, referee assault, and pitch invasions, stressing that any team found guilty will automatically forfeit three points, a measure deemed more effective than monetary fines.

On club licensing, Elegbeleye reaffirmed that promotion slots cannot be sold, referencing the case of Beyond Limits FC, who declined promotion due to shared ownership with Remo Stars, making way for Atlan FC to fill the vacancy under NPFL supervision.

In a major technological leap, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), announced that the federation is actively working to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to the NPFL.

“Some of our referees have already been sent to Morocco for specialized training. This is part of our broader commitment to enhance transparency and elevate officiating standards across the league,” he stated.

Sanusi added that the NFF was satisfied with the improved league calendar and discipline among clubs in the 2024/25 season, promising even more collaboration for the season ahead.

Also speaking at the AGM, Nelson Ini, Executive Director of GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, shared insights from the past season and outlined a roadmap for deeper league transformation.

“The last season was quite revealing. For once, competitive balance was very high, and there was a lot of fair play. The broadcast visibility also increased significantly, with both TV and radio partnerships — including with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria — bringing more eyes and ears to the league,” Ini said.

He noted that while the NPFL is still in a transformation phase, the league has seen marked progress in matchday attendance, officiating integrity, and regularized scheduling, which is crucial for media and club planning.

GTI’s priorities going into the new season include:

Expanding data and statistics management

Improving facilities across clubs

Boosting publicity and public awareness

Investing in continuous training and capacity building for league administrators

“The dynamics of modern sports are changing rapidly. We must adapt through continuous learning, and we believe the league now has a conducive and attractive environment for both local and foreign investment,” Ini added.

Elegbeleye also addressed concerns over financial sustainability, noting that the league currently operates without a title sponsor, but has cleared all referee salary backlogs with support from GTI.

“When we assumed office, referees were owed for over three years. Today, we owe no referee. They are paid directly every match week through a transparent system,” he said, while clarifying that GTI is not a league sponsor but a crucial logistics partner.

The NPFL chairman expressed concern over the financial struggles of clubs, especially in continental tournaments, citing poor sponsorship as a major limitation.

“We’re not just focused on winning the league — we care about how our clubs perform on the continent. They need resources to retain top talent and compete effectively,” he emphasized.

Addressing a recent controversy involving former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, who alleged unpaid wages at Enyimba FC, Elegbeleye confirmed that the club had been summoned for an urgent meeting.

“Brown is a pride to this league. No player should be treated unfairly. We’ve asked Enyimba International FC to appear before us immediately after this AGM,” he stated.

With reforms gaining traction, new infrastructure like VAR on the horizon, and a calendar-aligned structure restoring professionalism, the NPFL is entering a new era.

The league’s leadership, backed by the NFF and partners like GTI, has made it clear: integrity, innovation, and investment will drive the future of Nigeria’s top-flight football as it strives for continental relevance and global competitiveness.