Remo Stars begin NPFL title defense against Rivers United as 2025-26 fixtures unveiled

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars are set to kick off their 2025-26 title defense against former champions Rivers United.

This fixture was revealed on Monday afternoon during the season’s official draw ceremony, which took place at the NPFL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Nigeria.

Representatives from all 20 participating clubs, along with NPFL board members and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials, gathered to witness the unveiling of the new season’s schedule.

NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye presided over the meeting, emphasizing the league’s commitment to maintaining a consistent calendar for the 2025-26 season, which is officially slated to kick off on Friday, August 22, 2025, and conclude on May 24, 2026.

Remo Stars and Rivers United opening day clash sees the champions against the team that finished as runners-up in the previous season. The Sky Blue Stars will host Rivers United at their home ground in Ikenne, Ogun State, marking a significant start to their quest for back-to-back titles.

The 2025/26 NPFL season will see each of the 20 participating clubs set to play a total of 38 matches – 19 home and 19 away – spread across 38 match weeks. Ten matches are scheduled for each round.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing crowd control, logistics, and overall security, the NPFL has structured the fixture list to prevent clubs from the same state from hosting home matches on the same weekend.

This applies to pairs such as Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC both based in Abia State, and Kano Pillars and newly promoted Barau FC, hailing from Kano State, whose home fixtures are strategically alternated throughout the season.

Other Matchday One fixtures include Abia Warriors taking on Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium, and newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC facing former champions Enugu Rangers in an Oriental derby, El Kanemi Warriors will host Bendel Insurance.

Additionally, Wikki Tourists will clash with Plateau United and Katsina United will play Warri Wolves while another promoted side, Barau FC, will lock horns against nine-time champions Enyimba FC. Kwara United will be up against Ikorodu City,Shooting Stars will face Bayelsa United, and Niger Tornadoes will host Nasarawa United to round out the fixture list.