NPFL 2025/26: A New Dawn, A Fiery Kickoff

 

For years, the NPFL calendar was chaos—start dates uncertain, endings dragged, clubs stumbling in confusion. But in the last three seasons, order has returned. Like clockwork, the league now begins in August and ends in June. What was once a dream has become reality, and at the heart of this quiet revolution is the Gbenga Elegbeleye–led board. No sponsor, no TV rights, no glittering purse—yet they’ve done what many thought impossible: given Nigeria’s league its rhythm back.

And with rhythm comes drama. The 2025/26 season exploded into life in Ikenne, where champions Remo Stars clashed with Rivers United. Barely three minutes ticked on the clock before Aniekeme Okon rifled home the league’s opening goal, sending the crowd into frenzy. But the script had more to offer—Remo stars’ warrior, Victor Mbaoma, back on NPFL soil, struck with vengeance in the 9th minute. 1–1 it ended, but not without sending a message: this season will take no prisoners.

Sunday was a theatre of shocks and heartbreaks. In Ibadan, 3SC, freshly rebranded with a new chairman, sporting director, and coach, promised fireworks. Their fans trooped out in faith. But Bayelsa United, led by the calm tactician Monday Odigie, came, saw, and conquered. A single strike in the 32nd minute by Kehinde Malik silenced a sea of Oluyole supporters. The new-look 3SC teased flashes of brilliance, but left their faithful broken—hopeful yet bruised.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors, last season’s dark horses, announced they’re in for blood this year. Against the Pyramid Boys, Kano Pillars, it took just 35 minutes for Paul Samson to thunder home what became the decider. A simple goal, but laced with intent—the Warriors are no longer just contenders, they are hunters.

Meanwhile in Kano, newly promoted Barau FC, under the battle-worn Isah Ladan Bosso, stared down giants Enyimba. The People’s Elephant, fresh off preseason triumph, looked poised to trample. But reduced to ten men, they were dragged into a stalemate. 0–0. For Barau, a point; for Enyimba, a warning.

Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors showed their teeth, ripping through Bendel Insurance with a merciless 2–0 win—Umar Al Amin from the spot, Abdulrahman sealing it in the 66th. In Enugu, promoted Kun Khalifat dared to dream against Rangers International at the Cathedral, and dream they did—holding the Flying Antelopes to a 0–0 draw on a day the spirit of the late legend Christian Chukwu hovered over the stadium like a guardian.

But perhaps the loudest gasp came from Katsina. Few saw it coming. The storied Katsina United, on home soil, undone by newly promoted Warri Wolves. In the 76th minute, Igbunnu Evwierhurhoma struck, and the Wolves snatched three priceless points, leaving Katsina stunned.

Back in Ilorin, Ikorodu City, with Ali Kandil now at the helm after Nurudeen Aweroro’s defection to 3SC, proved their mettle. A gritty away draw against Confederation Cup hopefuls Kwara United was enough to make a statement: they will not be pushovers. And in Bauchi, returning Wikki Tourists announced their comeback with a narrow but sweet 1–0 win over Plateau United.

The NPFL has begun not with a whisper but a roar. From shock defeats to heroic draws, from thunderous goals to stunned supporters, Week One delivered everything—passion, pain, and promise. One thing is certain: this season, Nigeria’s league is not just running on time, it’s running hot.