Four newly promoted clubs; Wikki Tourist FC, Barau FC, Warri Wolves FC, and Kun Khalifat FC, have made their debut as the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off with thrilling contests across the country.
Afrocover reports that Match Day One fixtures, held at various venues nationwide on Sunday, produced exciting wins, dramatic upsets, and early battles for dominance.
At the New Stadium in Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors FC secured a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance FC, while Shooting Stars FC fell 0-1 at home to Bayelsa United FC. Barau FC, one of the promoted sides, held Enyimba International FC to a goalless draw in their opening outing.
Elsewhere, Wikki Tourist FC marked their return to the top flight with a 1-0 win over Plateau United FC in Bauchi, Abia Warriors FC edged Kano Pillars FC 1-0 in Umuahia, while Enugu Rangers International FC and Kun Khalifat FC ended their encounter goalless.
In Ilorin, Kwara United FC were held 0-0 by Ikorodu City FC, while Katsina United FC suffered a 0-1 home loss to Warri Wolves FC. The fixture between Niger Tornadoes FC and Nasarawa United FC will be played on Aug. 27.
Read also: Champions Remo Stars held by Rivers United in NPFL season opener
The season had earlier been declared open on Aug. 22 with a curtain-raiser between Remo Stars SC and Rivers United FC, which ended 1-1.
With week two fixtures already lined up, fans are set for more action. All matches are scheduled for 4 p.m.
On Aug. 30, Bendel Insurance FC host Shooting Stars FC in Benin, while other fixtures take place on Aug. 31. Kano Pillars FC will welcome Wikki Tourist FC in Kano; Plateau United FC face Katsina United FC in Jos; and Warri Wolves FC play host to Enugu Rangers International FC.
Kun Khalifat FC meet Remo Stars FC in Owerri, Rivers United FC take on Kwara United FC in Port Harcourt, while Ikorodu City FC will battle El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Lagos. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United FC host Barau FC, while Enyimba International FC welcome Niger Tornadoes FC in Aba, and Nasarawa United FC play Abia Warriors FC in Lafia.
Meanwhile, Afrocover recalls that at the end of the 2024/2025 season, four clubs, Heartland FC, Akwa United FC, Sunshine Stars FC, and Lobi Stars FC, were relegated to the lower division.
The 2025/2026 NPFL season, which began on Aug. 22, is scheduled to conclude on May 24, 2026.
