2024/2025 NPFL Matchday One Preview: Exciting fixtures as Nigerian clubs begin race for title
As the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicks off in full, fans are in for an exciting weekend of football. SportsRation presents a preview of matchday one fixtures.
Champions Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors played a goalless draw in the season opener last weekend, meaning the 2024/2025 NPFL season is still fresh and waiting for its first goal.
With former Super Eagles stars Finidi George and Emmanuel Amuneke set to lead their teams into battle. This season opener promises high-stakes matches, managerial debuts, and intriguing storylines that will set the tone for an exhilarating campaign.
Southeast Derby: Heartland vs. Enyimba The biggest clash of the weekend takes place in Owerri, where Heartland FC, managed by former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke, will host reigning champions Enyimba in a fiery Southeast derby. Amuneke, once considered for the Super Eagles managerial role, faces a tough challenge against Yemi Olanrewaju, Enyimba’s young manager, who is entering his first full season in charge. This match goes beyond local bragging rights, with both teams looking to start the season with a statement victory.
Finidi George’s Return: Rivers United vs. Bendel Insurance After a brief spell with the Super Eagles, Finidi George returns to club football as he leads Rivers United into their opening match against Bendel Insurance in Benin City. Rivers United, title contenders, will look to secure an early victory, while Bendel Insurance aims to spoil Finidi’s return to the NPFL dugout.
Remo Stars Face a Tough Test Last season’s runners-up, Remo Stars, travel to Umuahia to face Abia Warriors. With their manager, Daniel Ogunmodede, on national duty, Remo Stars will look to maintain their strong form from last season. The absence of their manager adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture.
Shooting Stars Travel to Nasarawa United After finishing in the top four last season, Shooting Stars aim to continue their form as they travel to face Nasarawa United. This fixture presents an opportunity for Shooting Stars to build early momentum in the new season.
Kano Pillars vs. Ikorodu City Newly promoted Ikorodu City will face a stern test as they travel to Kano to take on Nigerian football giants Kano Pillars. The newcomers will be eager to prove they belong in the top flight, but Kano Pillars’ formidable home record presents a tough challenge.
Monday Night Football: Lobi Stars vs. Akwa United The action concludes with a thrilling Monday night clash as Lobi Stars host Akwa United. Both teams are known for their passionate fanbases, and this fixture promises to be an entertaining end to the opening weekend.
Other matches: Abia Warriors vs Remo Stars, Plateau United vs Katsina United, Sunshine Stars vs Bayelsa United
With local derbies, potential upsets, and managerial debuts on the cards, the NPFL opening weekend has all the ingredients for a spectacular start to the season. Don’t miss a minute of the action as Nigeria’s top clubs battle it out for early supremacy!
