BY KINGSLEY EMMANUEL
Rivers United will host Plateau United in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season following the release of the Matchday One fixtures by the league organisers.
The Port Harcourt side, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their campaign at home as they look to mount another title challenge under Finidi George.
The new NPFL season is scheduled to kick off on the weekend of 28 and 30 August 2026, with all 20 clubs set to begin their 38-match campaign.
Defending champions Rangers will begin the defence of their title at home against Katsina United, while Enyimba travel to face Niger Tornadoes.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars will welcome Inter Lagos in Lagos, Bendel Insurance host Warri Wolves, Kwara United entertain Kano Pillars, Doma United face Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City take on Ranchers Bees, Abia Warriors host Kun Khalifat, and Barau FC welcome Nasarawa United.
The NPFL has also confirmed that the 2026/27 season will conclude on 30 May 2027. The first half of the campaign ends in December, before the league takes a festive break from 23 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, with Matchday 20 resuming between 8 and 10 January 2027.
