NPFL’s  2026/27 season to kick off August 28

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has released its official calendar of activities for the 2026/27 season, outlining a comprehensive programme that covers the pre-season, transfer windows, league fixtures, and President Federation Cup dates.

According to the calendar, the club licensing process will run from June to August 2026, while clubs are expected to complete documentation relating to salary obligations, outstanding payments to players and officials, and other licensing requirements between June and July.

Spot checks on clubs’ compliance with licensing regulations, including payment of salaries and inspection of stadiums and facilities, will also be conducted within the same period.

The NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), Annual General Event and the official draw for the new season are scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 20 to 30, alongside workshops and seminars for league stakeholders.

The first transfer window will open from July 15 to September 14, 2026, while player registration and licensing will be carried out throughout July and August. Clubs must submit their final player registration documents by August 22, ahead of the commencement of the new campaign.

The 2026/27 NPFL season is slated to kick off between August 28 and 30, 2026, with Matchday One, while the first half of the season will conclude with Matchday 19 from December 18 to 20.

A mid-season transfer window has been fixed for January 1 to 30, 2027, including a mandatory league break from December 26, 2026, to January 6, 2027, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads before the second stanza resumes on January 8 to 10 with Matchday 20.

The calendar also integrates the President Federation Cup, beginning with the state playoffs and finals from February 6 to 7, 2027. The Round of 64 is scheduled for March 3, followed by the Round of 32 on March 17, Round of 16 on March 31, quarter-finals on April 24, semi-finals on May 23, and the competition’s final on May 30, 2027.

The league season itself will end on May 16, 2027, after the completion of Matchday 38, paving the way for the Federation Cup finale and preparations for the next campaign.

The calendar also provides tentative dates for future seasons, with the 2027/28 NPFL season expected to begin between August 27 and 29, 2027, underscoring the league body’s commitment to maintaining a structured football calendar that aligns domestic competitions with continental and international schedules.