DEFENDING champions Remo Stars will kick off their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a headline clash against 2022 champions Rivers United, in what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser on August 22 in Ikenne.
The encounter was confirmed during the official draw ceremony for the new season held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, where former internationals Garba Lawal and Chikelue Iloenyosi joined NPFL officials to unveil fixtures by ballot.
Beyond the Remo-Rivers showdown, several eye-catching fixtures are lined up for the opening weekend.
Abia Warriors will welcome Kano Pillars to Umuahia, while Wikki Tourists host Plateau United in Bauchi. In Enugu, Rangers will square up against ambitious newcomers Khun Khalifat.
Newly promoted Barau FC have a daunting task against former champions Enyimba in their top-flight debut, while Shooting Stars begin their campaign at home against Bayelsa United.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes will take on Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors host Bendel Insurance, and Kwara United face Ikorodu City in Ilorin.
NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed confidence in the league’s growing appeal and attributed part of the resurgence to the return of experienced Super Eagles stars in the previous season.
“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, amongst several other returning players,” Elegbeleye said.
Representing Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi applauded the NPFL’s improved calendar integrity and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to further reforms, including the potential introduction of Video Assistant Referee technology.
“The NFF is impressed with the league’s scheduling discipline last season, and to that end, we have already sent some referees to Morocco for VAR training as we work towards its eventual implementation in the NPFL,” Sanusi said.
