Defending champions Remo Stars will begin their 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign with a high-stakes clash against 2022 title winners Rivers United in what promises to be a thrilling season opener on August 22 in Ikenne.

The fixture was unveiled on Monday during the official draw ceremony for the new season held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Former Super Eagles stars Garba Lawal and Chikelue Iloenyosi joined NPFL officials to conduct the draw, which was done by ballot.

Beyond the Remo-Rivers showdown, the opening weekend features several eye-catching matchups across the country.

Abia Warriors will host Kano Pillars in Umuahia, while Wikki Tourists welcome Plateau United to Bauchi. In Enugu, Rangers will take on ambitious newcomers, Khun Khalifat.

New boys Barau FC face a baptism of fire in their top-flight debut as they go up against former champions Enyimba. Shooting Stars will kick off their campaign at home against Bayelsa United.

Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes face Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors host Bendel Insurance, and Kwara United Square off against Ikorodu City in Ilorin.

NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye expressed optimism about the league’s growing popularity, attributing part of the resurgence to the return of several seasoned Super Eagles players last season.

“There was a significant rise in attendance at NPFL games last season, largely due to the return of notable ex-internationals like Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi to Kano Pillars, Brown Ideye to Enyimba, and Godwin Obaje to Rangers, among others,” Elegbeleye noted.

Representing Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi commended the league’s improved calendar integrity and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to reforms, highlighting progress toward implementing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

“The NFF is pleased with the improved scheduling discipline in the NPFL. In preparation for the introduction of VAR, we have already sent some referees to Morocco for training,” Sanusi revealed.