NPFL teams ramp up preparations as 2025/26 season kicks off Friday

The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to commence on Friday, August 22, with 20 clubs battling for supremacy in what will be the 54th edition of the top-flight and the 36th since the league turned professional. Defending champions Remo Stars will open the campaign with a high-profile clash against Rivers United at […]

The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to commence on Friday, August 22, with 20 clubs battling for supremacy in what will be the 54th edition of the top-flight and the 36th since the league turned professional.

Defending champions Remo Stars will open the campaign with a high-profile clash against Rivers United at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. The fixture will not only signal the start of the new season but also spotlight a team fresh from writing history by clinching their maiden NPFL title after back-to-back runner-up finishes.

For the first time since 2019, the NPFL will parade four privately owned clubs — Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, Barau FC, and Kun Khalifat — reflecting the growing confidence of investors in the domestic game.

Warri Wolves, back in the elite division after a four-year absence, have been among the busiest in the transfer market, signing 12 new players including experienced campaigners Ekene Olisema, Orji Martins, and Bassey Bassey. The Seasiders begin their return journey with an away test against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Elsewhere, Bauchi giants Wikki Tourists have turned to one of their own, appointing Yusuf Gimba as manager. A former player and NPFL title winner with the club in 1992, Gimba inherits a squad boosted by nine new arrivals. Wikki will face Plateau United in their opening game.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars, guided by coach Daniel Ogunmodede, will temporarily relocate their home fixtures to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, as their Ikenne Stadium undergoes renovation.

The club is also seeking CAF’s approval to host their Champions League matches in Ikenne. Their continental campaign begins next month against Comoros’ US Zilimadjou.

To strengthen further, the Sky Blue Stars have added Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goïta on two-year deals. Coulibaly joins from Association Sportive Binga FC, while Goïta arrives on a free transfer from AS Bakary Djan.