.Two Trophies Provided: Rangers, Rivers United To Fight Till The Very End —
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board, in conjunction with it’s strategic partners GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, will draw the curtain on this year’s tournament today, Sunday, 24th May, with tantalizing fixtures across the country.
With 10 matches scheduled to kickoff simultaneously across the country from 4pm today, Lagos and Port Harcourt are centers to be as table toppers Rangers International of Enugu battle Ikorodu City, while second placed Rivers United host Katsina United.
Although, Remo Stars FC are the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, having secured their historic first-ever league title in the 2024/2025 season, but they will be battling to escape relegation on this final day of hostilities.
However, the highly anticipated fixture between Rangers and Ikorodu City takes place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) in Lagos.
The Lagos showdown carries massive stakes for both teams; as Rangers, fondly called the ‘Flying Antelopes’ enter the match as NPFL leaders with 65 points and need a win to secure their historic 9th NPFL title to fend off rivals Rivers United who are second with 64 points.
What will put Rangers on top of their toes throughout 90 minutes is Ikorodu City’s thirst for a Continental ticket. The Ikorodu ‘Oga Boys’, will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup if they beat Rangers in Lagos.
Looking at their previous games, Rangers hold a dominant historical record head-to-head over the Lagos based club, winning all three of their previous top-flight matches. During their last league fixture in December 2025; Rangers edged out Ikorodu City with a 2-1 victory.
The match in Port Harcourt isn’t going down without its historical antecedents. Rivers United won the title in the 2021/2022 season with the support of former sports loving Governor Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, to ensure that the winners of the championship are crowned immediately after today’s last matchday for the 2025/26 season, the NPFL has arranged for the trophy to be present at both venues; Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League for the 2025/2026 season will receive N200 million as prize money.
Past Five winners Of NPFL:
2024/25: Remo Stars F.C.
2023/24: Rangers International.
2022/23: Enyimba International.
2021/22: Rivers United
2020/21: Akwa United.
All-Time Most Successful NPFL Clubs:
9 Titles: Enyimba International.
8 Titles: Rangers International.
5 Titles: Heartland FC (formerly Iwuanyanwu Nationale).
5 Titles: Shooting Stars.
4 Titles: Kano Pillars.