NPFL 2026/27 Kick Off: 3SC Host Inter Lagos In Friday Opener, As Enyimba, Rangers, Rivers United Hope For Firm Start

Nigeria’s top-flight football action returns with a blockbuster opening weekend as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gets underway on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The new NPFL campaign promises an exciting start, with the league’s first week fixtures throwing up several intriguing encounters across different centres in what is expected to be another fiercely contested season.

The opening fixture will see Shooting Stars welcome Inter Lagos on Friday, August 28, setting the tone for a weekend packed with competitive football.

The remaining fixtures will be played across various centres on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, with several clubs immediately facing stern tests.

In one of the weekend's eye catching encounters, Abia Warriors will host their brothers Kun Khalifat FC in an eagerly anticipated Oriental Derby at Aba. The fixture is expected to generate significant interest as both sides look to make a winning statement at the start of the campaign.

Defending champions Enugu Rangers will begin their title defence at home against Katsina United, with the Flying Antelopes hoping to launch their campaign on a strong note before their home supporters.

Nine time NPFL champions Enyimba FC face an opening day trip to Minna, where they will battle Niger Tornadoes in what promises to be an interesting away assignment for the People's Elephant.

Meanwhile, last season's runners up Rivers United will welcome former champions Plateau United to Port Harcourt in another high profile encounter. Both teams will be looking to begin the new campaign with maximum points as they set their sights on a strong finish.

Other first week fixtures will see Ikorodu City host newly promoted Ranchers Bees, while Barau FC take on Nasarawa United.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance will face Warri Wolves, while Kwara United welcome Kano Pillars.

Elsewhere, Doma United will square up against another newly promoted Sporting Lagos in another intriguing opening-week contest.

NPFL 2026/27 – WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Friday, August 28

- Shooting Stars vs Inter Lagos

Saturday/Sunday, August 29–30

- Ikorodu City vs Ranchers Bees

- Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat FC

- Barau FC vs Nasarawa United

- Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves

- Rangers International vs Katsina United

- Rivers United vs Plateau United FC

- Kwara United vs Kano Pillars

- Niger Tornadoes vs Enyimba FC

- Doma United vs Sporting Lagos

With champions Rangers beginning their title defence, Enyimba seeking a strong start, Rivers United looking to go one step further after finishing runners-up, and several ambitious sides eager to make their mark, NPFL 2026/27 is set for an explosive opening weekend.

The battle for supremacy, continental tickets and survival begins now.

The wait is over. The NPFL is back!

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