The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season will kick off today, Friday, August 28, despite major changes in the administration of Nigerian football less than 24 hours before the opening match.
The new NPFL campaign begins with an exciting clash between Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos, as both sides look to start the season on a winning note.
The remaining nine Matchday One fixtures will be played on Sunday, August 30, with clubs across the country beginning their battle for the league title, continental places and survival.
Former champions Abia Warriors will welcome newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC, while another new top-flight side, Barau FC, will host Nasarawa United.
Rivers United will face Plateau United in one of the weekend’s biggest matches, while seven-time champions Rangers International will take on a strengthened Katsina United.
Kwara United will host Kano Pillars, while Niger Tornadoes will welcome Enyimba in another interesting opening-day fixture.
In the South-South, Bendel Insurance will face returning side Warri Wolves in a derby that is expected to be closely contested.
Newly promoted Ikorodu City will begin their campaign against Ranchers Bees, while Doma United will host Sporting Lagos.
The opening fixtures come after several clubs strengthened their squads during the transfer window, with new players expected to make their debuts and coaches looking to introduce fresh tactical ideas.
However, the start of the new season comes against the backdrop of a major shake-up in Nigerian football.
NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye was removed from his position less than 24 hours before the season was due to begin.
The development followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
The National Sports Commission has also approved Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, the former NFF Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the NFF Secretariat as Acting General Secretary, while Dr Ademola Olajire, former Director of Media and Communications, will serve as Acting Deputy General Secretary.
The changes have also affected the country’s domestic leagues.
The Chairmen, appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the NPFL, Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their leagues to their respective Chief Operating Officers.
Despite the changes, the NPFL season is set to go ahead as planned today.
Fans will now turn their attention to the pitch as Shooting Stars and Inter Lagos get the new campaign underway.
The season promises plenty of competition, with traditional clubs such as Enyimba, Rangers, Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars and Rivers United hoping to challenge for honours, while the newly promoted teams will be aiming to prove they belong among Nigeria’s top clubs.
The first whistle will finally bring the focus back to football, with clubs beginning their long journey towards the 2026/27 NPFL title.
