The race for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) begins today, Sunday, November 1, as the Nigeria National League (NNL) kicks off its 2026/2027 campaign.
Heartland FC will welcome Crown FC of Ogbomoso in the opening fixture of the new season at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.
The encounter was initially scheduled for Saturday, October 31, but was moved by the NNL following important state events scheduled to take place at the same venue.
The opening match is expected to attract prominent football administrators, including National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Bukola Olopade and Acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme.
While Heartland and Crown FC get the new campaign underway, the remaining fixtures across the four conferences will take place on November 7 and 8.
A total of 36 clubs have been divided into four conferences, with the winner of each conference earning automatic promotion to the NPFL.
With several former top-flight clubs seeking an immediate return and ambitious sides hoping to make history, the battle promises to be exciting.
Having considered the teams, their previous performances, coaching strength and preparations, here are my promotion predictions for the 2026/2027 NNL season.
CONFERENCE A: Remo Stars to Lead the Way
My promotion pick from Conference A is Remo Stars.
The Ikenne-based club will be looking to make an immediate return to the NPFL after dropping out of the top flight. Their recent experience in the country’s top division should count in their favour as they begin life in the second tier.
However, I expect Heartland FC to give them a serious challenge.
The Naze Millionaires are another club with a rich history and a strong desire to return to where they belong. Under Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland will be hoping to turn their ambitions into reality.
Sunshine Stars are another side I believe could disrupt the plans of the two favourites. The Akure-based club have experience at the highest level and should not be underestimated.
Also, a part of me is rooting for Godswill Akpabio United FC to have a good chance at promotion this season. Under Coach Edward Green, Godswill Akpabio United FC have been great and compact in preseason. If that form follows them into the season, then they are a promotion hopeful.
My promotion pick: Remo Stars.
Main challengers: Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars and Godswill Akpabio United FC.
CONFERENCE B: Akwa United to Edge Bayelsa United
On paper, Conference B looks like one of the most competitive groups, particularly with two former NPFL champions, Akwa United and Bayelsa United, competing for promotion.
Akwa United, champions of the NPFL in 2021, narrowly missed out on promotion last season. They will be determined to correct that disappointment and return to the top flight.
Under Coach Paul Offor, the Promise Keepers have retained the bulk of their squad from last season. That continuity could prove important as they seek to build on the progress already made.
Bayelsa United, on the other hand, suffered relegation from the NPFL last season and will also be desperate to secure an immediate return.
However, Head Coach Abdul Maikaba faces a major rebuilding task following the disbandment of the club’s previous squad. Building a competitive team from scratch in a demanding league will not be easy.
Although Bayelsa United have the experience and pedigree, I am backing Akwa United because of their squad continuity and the work already done by Paul Offor.
My promotion pick: Akwa United.
Main challenger: Bayelsa United.
CONFERENCE C: El-Kanemi Warriors to Return to the NPFL
El-Kanemi Warriors are my favourites to emerge from Conference C.
The Maiduguri-based club dropped out of the NPFL last season and will be eager to regain their place among the country’s elite.
Under Coach Emmanuel King, the Nigeria President Federation Cup champions have continued to demonstrate their quality. Their recent CAF Confederation Cup campaign was also encouraging, as they narrowly missed out on a group-stage place after losing to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the second preliminary round.
That continental experience could give them an advantage over several teams in the group.
My promotion pick: El-Kanemi Warriors.
CONFERENCE D: Lobi Stars to Overcome Wikki Tourists
Conference D also promises an interesting battle, with former NPFL champions and established clubs fighting for the single promotion ticket.
My first choice is Lobi Stars.
The Makurdi-based side have enjoyed several seasons in the NPFL and will be looking to use their experience to secure a return to the top division.
However, Wikki Tourists are another strong contender.
The Bauchi-based club are equally desperate to return to the NPFL and have the history and experience to make that happen.
I expect a close contest between both sides, but I am tipping Lobi Stars to finish ahead of the competition.
My promotion pick: Lobi Stars.
Main challenger: Wikki Tourists.
FINAL VERDICT: My Four Promotion Predictions
With only one automatic promotion ticket available in each conference, the competition will be intense, and every point could make a difference.
Based on my assessment of the teams, their squad strength, experience and preparations, these are my four picks to secure promotion to the NPFL:
1. Conference A – Remo Stars
2. Conference B – Akwa United
3. Conference C – El-Kanemi Warriors
4. Conference D – Lobi Stars
Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars, Godswill Akpabio United FC, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists are among the teams I expect to push the favourites hard.
Of course, football has a way of producing surprises, and there could be a few outsiders ready to upset these predictions.
For now, the stage is set. Let the battle for NPFL promotion begin!
