2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Season Kicks Off as Shooting Stars Host Inter Lagos [Full Matchday 1 Fixtures]
The 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season officially got underway on Friday, August 28, ushering in a transformative era for top-flight Nigerian football. The campaign opened at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where Shooting Stars clashed with newly promoted Inter Lagos.
This season marks the debut of a landmark $7.5 million naming-rights agreement with EuroMatch, officially rebranding the competition as the EuroMatch NPFL. Under the deal, the champions’ prize money has surged from ₦200 million to a historic ₦1 billion.
Fresh Starts in Ibadan
Shooting Stars enter the season under new technical adviser Salisu Yusuf following the exit of Nurudeen Aweroro, who led the Oluyole Warriors to a third-place finish and continental qualification last term.
Yusuf oversees a reworked squad after losing key figures including Ismail Ayodele, Tijani Kabiru, and top assist creator Ayobami Junior. To fill the void, Shooting Stars secured summer deals for Taheer Abubakar, Kalu Nweke, Albert Kovarh, Tamuno Kalio, Issa Yusuf, and Aule Johnmark. The Ibadan club will be eager to reverse their recent opening-day struggles, having won just once in their last five season openers.
On the other side, Inter Lagos make their top-flight debut under head coach Shakiru Biodun Giwa. Relying largely on the core squad that earned promotion, the Lagos side will take confidence from holding Shooting Stars to a goalless pre-season draw earlier this month.
Transition Behind the Scenes
The campaign begins amidst administrative changes across the national football structure following the recent resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the Executive Committee.
As part of transitional measures, the NFF directed leadership across the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO to hand over administrative duties to their respective Chief Operating Officers pending a permanent roadmap created alongside FIFA, CAF, and government stakeholders.
Full EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 1 Schedule
The opening round of fixtures will complete on Sunday, August 30, with nine matches kicking off simultaneously across the country.
Friday, August 28
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Shooting Stars vs Inter Lagos – 4:00 PM
Sunday, August 30
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Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves – 4:00 PM
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Niger Tornadoes vs Enyimba – 4:00 PM
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Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat FC – 4:00 PM
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Rivers United vs Plateau United – 4:00 PM
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Barau FC vs Nasarawa United – 4:00 PM
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Rangers International vs Katsina United – 4:00 PM
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Doma United vs Sporting Lagos – 4:00 PM
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Ikorodu City vs Ranchers Bees – 4:00 PM
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Kwara United vs Kano Pillars – 4:00 PM
