The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to start on Friday, August 22. It will be the 54th edition of the top league and the 36th since it became a professional competition. Twenty clubs will be competing to win the title.
The team that won last season, Remo Stars, will start the season with a big game against Rivers United at their home stadium in Ikenne. This game will kick off the new season and also celebrate a club that has finally won its first NPFL title after finishing second in the previous two seasons.
For the first time since 2019, four privately owned clubs — Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, Barau FC, and Kun Khalifat — will take part in the NPFL. This shows more confidence from investors in Nigerian football.
Warri Wolves are coming back to the top division after four years away. They have bought 12 new players, including experienced players like Ekene Olisema, Orji Martins, and Bassey Bassey. They will start their return with a game away at Katsina United’s stadium.
Bauchi’s Wikki Tourists have named Yusuf Gimba, one of their own, as their new manager. He used to play for the club and won the NPFL with them in 1992. He will lead a team that has added nine new players. Their first game will be against Plateau United.
Also Read: http://Ex-Eagles Striker Ideye Announced Retirement From Football
Remo Stars, coached by Daniel Ogunmodede, will play their home games at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta for now.
Their Ikenne Stadium is being renovated. They are also asking the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to let them host their Champions League games in Ikenne. Their first Champions League match will be in September against US Zilimadjou from the Comoros.
To strengthen their team, Remo Stars have signed two Malian players, Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goïta, on two-year contracts. Coulibaly comes from Association Sportive Binga FC, and Goïta is joining on a free transfer from AS Bakary Djan.
