NPFL 2026/27 Season Kicks Off Today – Full Matchday 1 Fixtures

The 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has officially commenced, with Shooting Stars hosting newly promoted Inter Lagos in the opening fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan.

According to Ireporter Online, the opening-day encounter kicked off at 4pm on Friday, August 28, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s top-flight football following a $7.5 million naming-rights agreement with EuroMatch.

The deal has resulted in the competition being renamed the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League and has significantly increased the financial reward for the champions, with the prize money rising from ₦200 million to a record ₦1 billion.

Shooting Stars begin the new campaign under newly appointed technical adviser Salisu Yusuf, who replaced Nurudeen Aweroro after he guided the Ibadan-based club to a third-place finish and qualification for continental football last season.

The Oluyole Warriors will be hoping to make a strong start despite their recent struggles in opening-day fixtures. The club has won only one of its first league matches in the last five seasons, alongside three draws and one defeat.

Yusuf has also overseen changes to the squad following the departures of Ismail Ayodele, Tijani Kabiru and leading assist provider Ayobami Junior. The club has responded with the recruitment of Taheer Abubakar, Kalu Nweke, Albert Kovarh, Tamuno Kalio, Issa Yusuf and Aule Johnmark.

For Inter Lagos, the fixture represents the club’s first appearance in the NPFL following promotion to the top division last season. The Lagos-based side previously played Shooting Stars in a pre-season friendly on August 4, which ended goalless.

Inter Lagos head coach Shakiru Biodun Giwa is expected to rely heavily on the squad that helped the club secure promotion as they begin their historic top-flight campaign.

The remaining nine Matchday One fixtures are scheduled for Sunday, August 30, with all matches set to begin at 4pm.

Bendel Insurance will host Warri Wolves in a South-South derby, while Niger Tornadoes will welcome Enyimba. Abia Warriors will face Kun Khalifat FC, and Rivers United will take on Plateau United.

Barau FC will play Nasarawa United, Rangers International will host Katsina United, while Doma United will entertain Sporting Lagos.

Ikorodu City will face Ranchers Bees, while Kwara United will welcome Kano Pillars in another opening-round encounter.

The new NPFL season begins amid significant developments within Nigerian football administration following the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.

The Nigeria Football Federation has also directed the chairmen, directors and chief executive officers of the NPFL, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One to step aside.

The federation said the affected officials would hand over their responsibilities to the chief operating officers of their respective leagues, while interim arrangements would be made where necessary.

The NFF said the measures were designed to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during the transition period and while consultations continue with FIFA, CAF, the government and other stakeholders on proposed reforms.