Nigeria’s NPFL season begins with record ₦1 billion prize

The new season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) began with Shooting Stars’ 2–1 victory over league newcomers Inter Lagos in Ibadan. The match at Lekan Salami Stadium opened the 2026/27 championship, while the remaining nine fixtures of the first round are scheduled to take place on Sunday, Premium Times Nigeria reports.

The hosts took the lead in the 11th minute through Lucky Emmanuel. Midway through the first half, Inter Lagos captain Uche Nnaji equalized, scoring the club’s first NPFL goal after an assist from Adigun Damilare. Before the break, Sodiq Ibrahim converted a penalty to restore Shooting Stars’ advantage.

Late in the match, the Ibadan side were awarded another penalty, but Adams Mustapha hit the post. Shooting Stars held on to the winning scoreline and collected their first three points of the new season.

Champions begin title defence

Defending champions Rangers International collected 68 points last season, finishing one point ahead of Rivers United and winning their ninth title. In the first round, the Enugu club will play against Katsina United.

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Rangers will also compete in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, where they will face Benin’s AS Sobemap. While reconstruction continues at the stadium in Enugu, the team will play its home matches at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Rivers United, who finished the previous championship in second place with 67 points, will start the season with a home match against Plateau United. Shooting Stars finished third last year with 60 points and are due to play Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien next week in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

New sponsor and four newcomers

The league has signed a three-year title sponsorship agreement with EuroMatch worth $7.5 million, or $2.5 million annually. Under its terms, 60% of annual sponsorship revenue is to be directed to participating clubs. The season’s champion will receive a record ₦1 billion prize for the competition.

Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees, Doma United and Inter Lagos have been promoted to the top division. Three NPFL clubs will play in Lagos in the new season: Ikorodu City, Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos. Last season, Remo Stars, champions of the 2024/25 campaign, finished 17th and were relegated from the league.

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