…as Rangers, Rivers United face home tests
By Femi Atolagbe
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has unveiled the Matchday One fixtures for the 2026/27 season, with reigning champions Rangers set to begin the defence of their title at home against Katsina United.
The new campaign will kick off between August, 20 and 30, with all 20 clubs embarking on a 38-match quest for the league crown.
Among the headline fixtures, runners-up Rivers United will host Plateau United in Port Harcourt as they seek to mount another serious title challenge after narrowly missing out last season.
There will also be a keenly anticipated South-West derby in Lagos, where Shooting Stars welcome Inter Lagos, while eight-time champions Enyimba begin their campaign away to Niger Tornadoes in one of the weekend’s standout encounters.
Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance entertain Warri Wolves, Kwara United host Kano Pillars, Doma United welcome Sporting Lagos, while newly promoted Ikorodu City begin life in the top flight at home to Ranchers Bees. Abia Warriors will also host fellow newcomers Kun Khalifat, while Barau face Nasarawa United.
Rangers head into the new campaign buoyed by a memorable 2025/26 season in which the Flying Antelopes secured a record-equalling ninth NPFL title. The Enugu club finished top of the table with 68 points, clinching the championship on the final day in Lagos, and will now look to make a winning start against Katsina United.
Rivers United are also expected to be among the leading contenders after finishing second last season. The Port Harcourt side face a demanding campaign as they combine domestic ambitions with continental commitments, making a positive result against Plateau United an early priority.
Enyimba, meanwhile, will hope to launch their campaign on a strong note despite facing a tricky away trip to Niger Tornadoes.
The Aba giants will be eager to improve on last season after falling short in their bid for another league title.
The league’s published calendar confirms that the 2026/27 season will conclude on May,30, 2027 after 38 matchdays.
The first half of the campaign will end with Matchday 19 in December before the festive break from 23 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. League action will resume with Matchday 20, scheduled for 8 to 10 January 2027.
Matchday One fixtures
Ikorodu City vs Ranchers Bees
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat
Barau vs Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves
Rangers vs Katsina United
Rivers United vs Plateau United
Kwara United vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes vs Enyimba
Shooting Stars vs Inter Lagos
Doma United vs Sporting Lagos