Champions Clash: Remo Stars host Rivers United in 2025/26 season NPFL opener
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will usher in its 2025/26 season with a blockbuster opening fixture between defending champions Remo Stars and former title holders Rivers United.
The match is scheduled for August 22 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, marking the start of a new chapter in Nigeria’s top-flight football.
The fixture draw, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was a vibrant affair attended by NPFL stakeholders, club executives, media representatives, and ex-international players who lent their star power to the ceremony by picking the match ballots.
Speaking ahead of the draw, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye reflected on the league’s growth during the 2024/25 season, citing a surge in fan engagement and stadium attendance.
He attributed this rise in popularity to the return of several Super Eagles veterans to domestic clubs, including Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars, Brown Ideye to Enyimba, and Godwin Obaje to Rangers.
‘The presence of these seasoned professionals elevated the quality of play and brought fans back to the stands. It’s a testament to the growing appeal of our league,’ Elegbeleye said.
Representing NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi commended the NPFL’s adherence to its calendar last season and announced plans to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. He revealed that select Nigerian referees had recently undergone VAR training in Morocco, signaling a major step toward modernizing officiating standards.
Opening Weekend Fixtures (August 22–24)
Remo Stars vs Rivers United (Ikenne)
Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United
Rangers vs Khun Khalifat (NPFL debutants)
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United
Barau FC vs Enyimba (Barau’s first NPFL appearance)
Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance
Kwara United vs Ikorodu City
The 2025/26 season promises to build on the momentum of the previous campaign, which saw Remo Stars clinch their maiden NPFL title and a record increase in matchday attendance.
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