New NPFL season kick off date announced

Photo Credit - Remo Stars Sports Club.

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 NPFL season will kick off on August 22, 2025.

Elegbeleye made this announcement during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja, as he praised the success of the 2024/25 campaign, which began on August 31, 2024, and ended on May 25, 2025, which he describedas a historic milestone for the NPFL in terms ofplanning, execution, and overall integrity.

The NPFL chairman said maintaining a consistent football calendar introduced in the just-concluded season, as it testify to a successful season.

“It is my great pleasure and delight to welcome everyone here for a brief review of the highly successful season that began on August 31, 2024, and concluded on May 25, 2025.

For the first time in many years, perhaps since the start of the new era of the Nigeria Premier Football League in 2005—twenty years ago—a date for kick-off and ending was faithfully implemented. That is a commitment we made, and a promise delivered.”

Hon. Elegbeleye also emphasised the league’s growing media exposure and fair competition. “Of the 380 matches, 188 were covered live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200. That coverage has played a key role in expanding access and engagement.

Which is a remarkable step toward increasing visibility and attracting more fans. We now have a more level playing field for all clubs. Thank you again for your consistent support and positive reportage of the NPFL”

He further addressed improvements in player welfare, stating that unpaid bonuses have been paid. “The issue of unpaid salaries and bonuses has significantly reduced. Financial discipline has improved across the board since this administration came on.”

He emphasised the importance of consistency in scheduling and announced that the new season would begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, reinforcing the league’s resolve to maintain a stable football calendar.

“This is to maintain a calendar we have now established from the last season,” he stated.

The top three teams from the 2024/25 season were NPFL champions Remo Stars, second place Rivers United, and Abia Warriors.

Meanwhile on the goalscoring chart, Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United led with 18 goals, followed by Rabiu Ali with 13 and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12. With the 2025/26 season already mapped out, the NPFL Chairman revealed that the 2025/26 league winner will receive a prize of ₦200 million, underscoring efforts to elevate the league’s competitiveness and professionalism.