How debutants, returnees opened 2026 NPFL season with promising results

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off last Friday, August 22, with 20 teams vying fiercely for points on the opening day of the new campaign. Four out of the 20 teams were promoted to the elite division of the professional league at the end of the last Nigeria National League (NNL) […]

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off last Friday, August 22, with 20 teams vying fiercely for points on the opening day of the new campaign.

Four out of the 20 teams were promoted to the elite division of the professional league at the end of the last Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

While Kun Khalifat and Warri Wolves joined the topflight from the southern conference of the NNL, the duo of Wikki Tourists and Barau FC emerged from the northern conference.

Although Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves rejoined the NPFL at the end of the last NNL season, because they had spent many seasons in the topflight before their relegation to the lower division, they cannot be listed with the debutants.

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Instead, the two clubs have only returned to a familiar terrain where they are hoping to reenact the form that once made them dreaded teams in the NPFL.

On a day that even experienced campaigners like 3SC and Kano Pillars suffered defeats at home and on the road, Barau FC, Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves and Wikki Tourists flashed promises after encouraging draws and victories.

Warri Wolves emerged the best performers after securing a stunning 1-0 victory away against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium Katsina.

Daily Trust, therefore, takes a look at how the four promoted clubs began life in the 2026 NPFL season with impressive performances, triggering hope and belief among their teeming fans.

 

Kun Khalifat

There couldn’t have been a more difficult fixture to welcome the new boys to the NPFL than their opening day clash with the second most successful team in the NPFL, Enugu Rangers.

Although faced with a mountain to climb, Kun Khalifat successfully punched above their weight by ensuring they held the “Flying Antelopes” to a goalless draw right there at the “Cathedral” in Enugu.

For a newly promoted side featuring inexperienced but highly motivated players, the point on the road will surely inject more confidence in the boys as they are poised to make a splash in their first season in the NPFL.

 

Warri Wolves

A once formidable team that represented Nigeria in the continent, Warri Wolves returned to the NPFL after four years in the lower division.

Interestingly, the Wolves from Delta roared in far away Katsina where they produced one of the two away victories on the opening day of the season.

After a barren first half, Igbunnu Evwierhuroma broke the deadlock in the 76th minute for Warri Wolves’ dream start.

The coach Napoleon Aluma-led boys will hope to build on the important away victory when they welcome 2023 champions Enugu Rangers for their second match at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

 

Wikki Tourists

Playing before a capacity crowd at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi for the first time since they got relegated in 2023, Wikki Tourists fought hard to pluck the maximum points off neighbours Plateau United.

Although it was a ding-dong affair, the home side’s persistent pressure paid off when Linus Dadong converted from the spot to hand the “Bauchi Elephants” the opening day home win.

Next for Wikki Tourists is a short trip to the North West for a confrontation with former champions Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Barau FC

Founded a year ago by the current Deputy President of Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibirin, NPFL debutants, Barau FC showed uncommon courage and determination in their opening match against former African champions Enyimba of Aba who forced them to a 0-0 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Although the “Peoples Elephants” ended the thrilling contest with ten men, the Ladan Bosso-led side failed to make the numerical advantage count as they shared the spoils on the opening day.

However, holding down a formidable side like Enyimba, points to only one thing- Barau FC are not in the NPFL to make up the numbers.

Barau FC’s NPFL credentials would be tested fully in their first away match of the season at Bayelsa United who shocked 3SC 1-0 in Ibadan last Sunday.