NPFL 2025/26 season kicks off August 22 with new ambition

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is preparing for another thrilling campaign as clubs nationwide resume pre‑season activities ahead of the 2025/26 season, which will commence on 22 August 2025 and conclude on 24 May 2026, according to NPFL Board Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye.

Elegbeleye emphasised that this marks the first time in two decades since the NPFL’s 2005 rebrand that both start and end dates will be adhered to as scheduled. He recalled that the 2024/25 campaign began on 31 August 2024 and finished on 25 May 2025 as planned. Highlighting professionalism, he stated the consistent calendar allows better planning for clubs, players, officials and scouts, and aids alignment with CAF continental competitions.

Last season’s highlights included Remo Stars claiming their maiden NPFL title with three games to spare on 27 April 2025, ending a 25 year wait for a South‑West champion since Julius Berger in 2000. They clinched the crown using the “Ijaball” philosophy under coach Daniel Ogunmodede, famously strong at home with 17 wins out of 19 matches.

The NPFL board also announced that champions will now receive ₦200 million up from ₦150 million last season and praised improved player welfare, reduced salary delays and increased live broadcasts exceeding 400 matches. Additionally, clubs have been instructed to upgrade stadiums with LED floodlights and backup power or risk losing home‑game privileges.

With 20 teams, including four promoted clubs, gearing up for the season, observers point to rising competitiveness. Remo Stars will defend their title alongside strong challengers such as Rivers United, Enyimba and Shooting Stars.

Editorial

We approach the 2025/26 NPFL season with cautious optimism. Maintaining a firm start and end date for the league signals a serious commitment to professionalism. We envisage this consistency benefiting players, managers and commercial partners preparing around a dependable schedule.

We appreciate that Remo Stars’ title win and the decision to reward champions with ₦200 million underline a growing determination to elevate the league’s stature both financially and emotionally. It’s gratifying to see improved player welfare and clearer policies from the NPFL board a shift away from the chronic salary arrears that plagued earlier seasons.

We also welcome the infrastructure mandate. Requiring LED floodlights and backup generators indicates intention to deliver higher‑quality matchday experiences and reliable broadcasts. This move not only raises standards but could transform fan engagement and sponsorship appeal.

Tensions remain. Mid‑tier clubs promoted to the top flight often struggle with funding and stadium readiness. It will be essential for the NPFL to provide support and enforcement guidance alongside the new mandates. Competitiveness matters, but neither wealth nor infrastructure should define participation structures must prevent widening gaps.

We affirm that this season presents an opportunity. A reliable calendar, boosted prizes and sharper governance could plant the seeds of long‑term change. If clubs, officials and stakeholders all lean into these reforms, we might see a genuine transformation not just expectations realised.

We began by highlighting optimism grounded in action; we conclude by reaffirming our belief that this season must deliver on its own promise.

Did You Know?

1. Remo Stars were founded in 2004 as FC Dender and were rebranded after relocating to Remoland in 2010.
2. The “Ijaball” style, introduced by Daniel Ogunmodede, blends tactics inspired by Mourinho, Klopp and Guardiola.
3. In the 2024/25 season, there were 380 league matches played, producing a total of 784 goals.
4. Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf won the Golden Boot in 2024/25 with 18 goals, including two hat‑tricks.
5. Clubs must install LED floodlights and backup generators to meet NPFL requirements for hosting night games this coming season.