NPFL teams ramp up preparations as 2025/2026 season kicks off Friday

• Defending champions Remo Stars begin new season against Rivers United at home, marking first title defense after historic breakthrough victory
• League features four privately-owned clubs for first time since 2019, with returning Warri Wolves signing 12 new players including veterans

The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will begin on Friday, August 22, with 20 clubs vying for supremacy in the 54th season of the top flight and the 36th since the league became professional.

Defending champions Remo Stars will begin the season with a high-profile match against Rivers United at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The game will not only mark the start of the new season, but will also highlight a team that has recently made history by winning their first NPFL title after finishing second twice in a row.

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.