
22/08/2025
Nigeria Premier Football League Kicks Off As Fans Expect Thrilling Rivalries
The 2025/26 season of Nigeria's Premier football league kicks off in 10 centres across the country this Friday. The opening day has lined up high-stakes encounters
Fans can expect thrilling rivalries, debut stories, and the first statements of intent from clubs eyeing the crown.
Remo Stars vs Rivers United (Abeokuta)
The spotlight will be firmly in Abeokuta, the temporary home of the Ikenne-based Remo Stars, who will host Rivers United in what promises to be a blockbuster opener. It will be a continuation of last season’s rivalry, where both teams struggled for the championship, which Remo Stars eventually won, pushing Rivers United to the runners-up position.
Both sides have established themselves among the league’s elite in recent seasons, with Remo Stars known for their flair and Rivers United carrying the weight of continental experience.
A clash of ambition awaits. Remo Stars may, however, be understrength as nine of their players, as well as the head coach, are just returning from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) still going on in East Africa.
Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors will welcome the legendary Kano Pillars in a battle that pits youthful hunger against tradition. Pillars, buoyed by their passionate fan base, will aim to assert themselves early, but the Warriors are known for upsetting giants at home.
It will be the first league match for Ahmed Musa as the General Manager of Kano Pillars.
Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-central rivals Wikki Tourists and Plateau United will lock horns in Bauchi. Matches between both sides are often fiercely contested, and Plateau’s pedigree as former champions will be tested by Wikki’s resilience.
Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Katsina United will begin their campaign against newly promoted Warri Wolves. The Wolves, back in the big time, will be eager to mark their return with a statement, while Katsina rely on home advantage to start strong.
Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers International will face Kun-Khalifat, the league newcomers. For Rangers, it’s a chance to begin their season in front of a loyal home crowd, but all eyes will be on Kun-Khalifat to see how they adapt to the top-flight spotlight.
Kun-Khalifat of Imo State are one of the four private clubs featuring in the Nigerian elite league this season.
Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
Kwara United will entertain Ikorodu City, who are having their second season in the NPFL. In their maiden adventure, they were almost securing the ticket to feature in the CAF Confederation League.
The Lagos-based side will be playing their first-ever NPFL match, and their baptism of fire comes against a Kwara United team eager to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight duel as El-Kanemi Warriors take on Bendel Insurance. Insurance, one of the league’s traditional giants, face a tough away test against a side known for turning their home ground into a fortress.
Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) will face Bayelsa United in a fixture steeped in pride. The Oluyole Warriors will aim to rekindle their glory days, while Bayelsa United, FA Cup specialists, will look to prove their consistency in league football.
Barau vs Enyimba Int’l
League debutants Barau could not have asked for a sterner introduction as they host record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, with their history of dominance, will be expected to start strong, but Barau will draw on home support to seek a famous result.
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United (Minna)
The final fixture sees Niger Tornadoes welcome Nasarawa United in a north-central derby. With both teams battling for early momentum, fans should expect a fiery contest in Minna.
The 2025 NPFL season promises drama, goals, and stories of resilience. As the whistle sounds across ten venues this weekend, the journey towards Nigeria’s most coveted football title begins in earnest.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe) Nigeria Premier Football League Kicks Off As Fans Expect Thrilling Rivalries
The 2025/26 season of Nigeria's Premier football league kicks off in 10 centres across the country this Friday. The opening day has lined up high-stakes encounters
Fans can expect thrilling rivalries, debut stories, and the first statements of intent from clubs eyeing the crown.
Remo Stars vs Rivers United (Abeokuta)
The spotlight will be firmly in Abeokuta, the temporary home of the Ikenne-based Remo Stars, who will host Rivers United in what promises to be a blockbuster opener. It will be a continuation of last season’s rivalry, where both teams struggled for the championship, which Remo Stars eventually won, pushing Rivers United to the runners-up position.
Both sides have established themselves among the league’s elite in recent seasons, with Remo Stars known for their flair and Rivers United carrying the weight of continental experience.
A clash of ambition awaits. Remo Stars may, however, be understrength as nine of their players, as well as the head coach, are just returning from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) still going on in East Africa.
Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors will welcome the legendary Kano Pillars in a battle that pits youthful hunger against tradition. Pillars, buoyed by their passionate fan base, will aim to assert themselves early, but the Warriors are known for upsetting giants at home.
It will be the first league match for Ahmed Musa as the General Manager of Kano Pillars.
Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-central rivals Wikki Tourists and Plateau United will lock horns in Bauchi. Matches between both sides are often fiercely contested, and Plateau’s pedigree as former champions will be tested by Wikki’s resilience.
Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Katsina United will begin their campaign against newly promoted Warri Wolves. The Wolves, back in the big time, will be eager to mark their return with a statement, while Katsina rely on home advantage to start strong.
Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers International will face Kun-Khalifat, the league newcomers. For Rangers, it’s a chance to begin their season in front of a loyal home crowd, but all eyes will be on Kun-Khalifat to see how they adapt to the top-flight spotlight.
Kun-Khalifat of Imo State are one of the four private clubs featuring in the Nigerian elite league this season.
Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
Kwara United will entertain Ikorodu City, who are having their second season in the NPFL. In their maiden adventure, they were almost securing the ticket to feature in the CAF Confederation League.
The Lagos-based side will be playing their first-ever NPFL match, and their baptism of fire comes against a Kwara United team eager to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight duel as El-Kanemi Warriors take on Bendel Insurance. Insurance, one of the league’s traditional giants, face a tough away test against a side known for turning their home ground into a fortress.
Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) will face Bayelsa United in a fixture steeped in pride. The Oluyole Warriors will aim to rekindle their glory days, while Bayelsa United, FA Cup specialists, will look to prove their consistency in league football.
Barau vs Enyimba Int’l
League debutants Barau could not have asked for a sterner introduction as they host record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, with their history of dominance, will be expected to start strong, but Barau will draw on home support to seek a famous result.
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United (Minna)
The final fixture sees Niger Tornadoes welcome Nasarawa United in a north-central derby. With both teams battling for early momentum, fans should expect a fiery contest in Minna.
The 2025 NPFL season promises drama, goals, and stories of resilience. As the whistle sounds across ten venues this weekend, the journey towards Nigeria’s most coveted football title begins in earnest.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
(AIT)