With a record prize purse on the line and kickoff barely a week away, NPFL clubs across the country are racing to complete their squad rebuilds.
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Preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season are entering their final phase, with a tentative kickoff scheduled for the weekend of August 27-29.
Top-flight clubs across the country are actively reshaping their rosters to compete for a record N1 billion prize purse announced by the National Sports Commission, a significant increase that appears to be driving heightened recruitment activity across the league this pre-season.
Shooting Stars Add Fresh Legs
Shooting Stars, fresh off appointing veteran coach Salisu Yusuf as their new Technical Adviser, have completed several signings ahead of the new campaign, including midfielder Olakunle Akala from Kano Pillars, Abdulaziz Dalhatu from Niger Tornadoes and Taheer Abubakar from Wikki Tourists, as the Ibadan club looks to build on last season’s third-place finish and its return to continental football.
Katsina United’s Major Overhaul
Katsina United have gone furthest in reshaping their squad, unveiling 11 new recruits as part of a wide ranging rebuild. Key arrivals include striker Samson Obi from Rivers United, Sierra Leonean goalkeeper Koroma Francis from Wilber Force FC and former Akwa United captain Ubong Essien, with the club targeting stability and silverware this campaign.
Kano Pillars And The Promoted Sides Strengthen Up
Kano Pillars have moved to shore up their defence with the signings of Fabian Nworie and Obassa Adeniyi, both arriving from Remo Stars. Newly promoted clubs, including Sporting Lagos and Ranchers Bees, have also been active in the market, bringing in experienced top-flight players in an effort to secure stability as they adjust to life in the NPFL.
