The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has officially kicked off, delivering a first week filled with dramatic upsets, hard-fought victories, and a clear signal of fierce competition ahead.
The opening matches set the stage for an exciting season, with both established giants and newly promoted teams vying for early dominance.
The curtain-raiser on August 22 saw a 1-1 draw between Remo Stars SC and Rivers United, an even contest that hinted at the competitive nature of the league.
Match Day One, held at various venues across the country on Sunday, August 24, produced several key results:
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El-Kanemi Warriors FC secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance FC.
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Bayelsa United FC edged out Shooting Stars FC with a narrow 1-0 win.
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Wikki Tourist FC earned a 1-0 win against Plateau United FC.
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Abia Warriors FC also claimed a 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars FC.
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In another match, Katsina United FC fell 1-0 to Warri Wolves FC.
Several matches ended in a stalemate, showing a tight race from the very beginning:
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Barau FC and Enyimba International FC played to a 0-0 draw.
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Enugu Rangers International FC and Kun Khalifat FC also finished with a goalless 0-0 score.
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Kwara United FC and Ikorodu City FC ended their match at 0-0.
The final fixture of the opening week will see Niger Tornadoes FC face Nasarawa United FC on August 27.
The season also marks the return of four newly promoted teams: Wikki Tourist FC, Barau FC, Warri Wolves FC, and Kun Khalifat FC, who earned their spots after a successful campaign last season. Their inclusion comes as Heartland FC, Akwa United FC, Sunshine Stars FC, and Lobi Stars FC were relegated at the end of the previous season.
With the first points on the board, teams are now looking ahead to Week Two, with all fixtures scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff.
Week 2 Fixtures:
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Saturday, August 30: Bendel Insurance FC vs. Shooting Stars FC in Benin.
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Sunday, August 31:
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Kano Pillars FC vs. Wikki Tourist FC in Kano.
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Plateau United FC vs. Katsina United FC in Jos.
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Warri Wolves FC vs. Enugu Rangers International FC.
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Kun Khalifat FC vs. Remo Stars FC in Owerri.
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Rivers United FC vs. Kwara United FC in Port Harcourt.
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Ikorodu City FC vs. El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Lagos.
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Bayelsa United FC vs. Barau FC in Yenagoa.
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Enyimba International FC vs. Niger Tornadoes FC in Aba.
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Nasarawa United FC vs. Abia Warriors FC in Lafia.
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The 2025/2026 NPFL season is set to run until May 24, 2026.
