Remo Stars Set for Title Defence with Blockbuster Clash Against Rivers United

Defending champions Remo Stars will begin their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence with a high-profile opening day fixture against 2022 winners Rivers United, as the 2025/26 season kicks off on August 22 in Ikenne.

The fixture was among those revealed during Monday’s official draw ceremony held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Former Nigerian internationals Garba Lawal and Chikelue Iloenyosi assisted NPFL officials in conducting the ballot that determined matchday one pairings.

The opening weekend features several intriguing contests across the country.

Abia Warriors are scheduled to host Kano Pillars in Umuahia, while Wikki Tourists will welcome Plateau United to Bauchi. In Enugu, Rangers International face ambitious newcomers Khun Khalifat in what could be a testing debut for the promoted side.

Barau FC, also newly promoted, face a stern test in their first-ever top-flight appearance as they take on two-time African champions Enyimba. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars will begin their campaign at home in Ibadan against Bayelsa United.

Other fixtures include Niger Tornadoes versus Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors hosting Bendel Insurance, and Kwara United playing Ikorodu City in Ilorin.

Speaking at the draw, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted the league’s upward momentum, pointing to the return of prominent former Super Eagles players as a key factor in its growing popularity.

“We witnessed a surge in attendance last season, boosted by the comebacks of players like Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars, Brown Ideye to Enyimba, and Godwin Obaje to Rangers,” Elegbeleye noted.

Representing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi commended the league’s improved schedule adherence and hinted at upcoming innovations.

“We’re pleased with the improved calendar integrity. To build on that, some of our referees have undergone VAR training in Morocco as we look to introduce the technology into the NPFL in the near future,” Sanusi revealed.