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Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, has announced that the 2025–26 NPFL campaign will commence on Friday, 22 August 2025, concluding on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The scheduling adjustment aims to synchronise with both CAF and FIFA calendars, ensuring clubs have ample time for rest, domestic duties and continental assignments.
Retaining the existing 20‑club structure, the league follows a successful 2024–25 season in which Remo Stars clinched their maiden NPFL title. Further details covering fixtures, player registration protocols and broadcast agreements are set to be released shortly.
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Editorial
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We believe aligning the NPFL calendar with global standards reflects a welcome step in the league’s evolution. When Nigeria’s top flight runs parallel to Europe and CAF schedules, clubs can plan more effectively whether for recruitment, rest, continental travel or TV deals. That foresight stands in stark contrast to prior seasons that kicked off haphazardly, sometimes in mid‑December, undermining performance and preparation.
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We recognise the challenges of synchronising multiple interests: clubs, broadcasters, sponsors and players. Yet, the earlier 2024–25 alignment showed its value allowing NPFL teams room to prepare and contribute meaningfully in continental competitions. Remaining disciplined with schedules, avoiding excessive breaks and adopting midweek matches when needed all contribute to a more credible competition.
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We urge NPFL administrators to maintain this momentum. Consistent timetabling will boost investor confidence, heighten fan engagement and enhance player development. The move to start the 2025–26 season in August and conclude before many European leagues underscores strategic ambition, not mere conformity.
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We stand by the principle consistency breeds credibility. If the NPFL sustains this trend, it won't merely follow conferences and leagues it could lead them in operational efficiency and professionalism.
Did You Know?
The 20‑club format for Nigeria’s premier league has been retained since the 2023–24 season, maintaining competitive stability.
Remo Stars' championship in the previous season marked their first-ever NPFL title, breaking decades-long dominance by [traditional](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/youth-football/) clubs.
In 2024–25, NPFL prize money was increased by ₦50 million, reaching ₦200 million for the champions a sign of growing investment.
The Nigeria Premier Football broadcast rights through a partnership with IMG/JVco, a British media firm, for live matches.
Prior to these recent adjustments, NPFL seasons often began as late as December for example, the 2020–21 season only began on 27 December and finished in August 2021.