Sports

August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season

Published

5 months ago

June 13, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.

Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.

According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.

“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.

“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.

Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.

He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.

In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.

A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.

On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.

As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.

Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.

He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.

Share on Facebook

Sports

LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Salifu Usman Receives SWAN Fellowship In Recognition Of Sports Development Efforts

Published

7 hours ago

November 2, 2025

The Gleamer

Salifu Abubakar Usman, Group Sports Editor of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, has been honoured with the Fellow of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award, in recognition of his exceptional support for the association, professional journalism, and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The esteemed accolade was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, held in Abuja, marking 60 years of excellence in sports journalism across the nation.

Upon receiving the award, Salifu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to further his lifelong dedication to sports reporting, promotion, and growth.

“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my family, and I believe it will encourage me further in sports reporting and sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.

Salifu highlighted that this recognition serves as a morale boost following decades of hard work and impactful contributions within Nigeria’s sports community and beyond.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration attracted prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts have significantly advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

Share on Facebook