NPFL: Shooting Stars, Inter Lagos to Kick Off Season with Derby

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will get back underway on 28 August 2026 with a South-West derby between Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos after the fixtures for the 2026/27 season were unveiled during the league's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ibadan on 7 August 2026. The curtain-raiser will see five-time champions Shooting Stars host Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, under floodlights. The remaining Matchday One fixtures are scheduled for 30 August 2026.

Former title contenders Rivers United will begin their season at home against Plateau United, while Doma United will welcome Sporting Lagos. In Ilorin, Kwara United is set to launch their campaign against Kano Pillars at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl Stadium. The Harmony Boys are currently competing in the Ahlan/Gusau Preseason Tournament in Katsina, allowing Coach Ashifat Sulyman to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new season.

Elsewhere, Barau FC will host Nasarawa United in Kano, while Abia Warriors will entertain Kun Khalifat. Last season's fourth-placed team, Ikorodu City, is expected to begin their campaign at home against returning side Ranchers Bees, while Bendel Insurance faces Warri Wolves in a South-South derby. Rangers will host Katsina United in Enugu, and Niger Tornadoes will take on former champions Enyimba in Minna.

The opening fixtures promise an early test for several clubs, with supporters eager for a positive start in what is anticipated to be another fiercely contested NPFL season.

The opening weekend will set the tone for the 2026/27 campaign as clubs begin the race for domestic honors and continental qualification.

Matchday One Fixtures

- Friday, 28 August 2026
Shooting Stars vs Inter Lagos
- Sunday, 30 August 2026
Rivers United vs Plateau United
Doma United vs Sporting Lagos
Barau FC vs Nasarawa United
Ikorodu City vs Ranchers Bees
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat
Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves
Rangers vs Katsina United
Kwara United vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes vs Enyimba