First time in 20 years! - Super Eagles coach to begin title defence in August after historic win

Assistant Super Eagles coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his Remo Stars side will kick off their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence on August 22, 2025, as the NPFL board officially announced the start date for the 2025/26 season.

Ogunmodede, who finally delivered Remo Stars’ first-ever NPFL title last season after coming close twice, will be aiming to guide the Sky Blues to a rare consecutive championship. 

The club hopes to become the first team in recent years to successfully defend the NPFL crown, a feat that would cement their place in Nigerian football history.

The NPFL Board confirmed that the new season will run from August 22, 2025, to May 24, 2026, maintaining the round calendar system established last year. 

NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye emphasised the league’s commitment to consistency, stating on the league’s website;

“This is the first time in many years, perhaps since the start of the new era Nigeria Premier Football League in 2005, (20 years) that a date for kick-off and ending will be faithfully implemented. That is a commitment we made and a promise delivered.”

He added,

“Today, we are also here to announce that the 2025/26 season will be commencing on August 22, 2025 and will be completed on May 24, 2026. This is to maintain a calendar we have now established from the last season.”

The NPFL’s adherence to a set schedule is designed to help clubs, players, match officials, and scouts plan effectively for the season, with last year’s campaign running smoothly from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025.

With Ogunmodede at the helm, Remo Stars will look to build on last season’s win and make history with a successful title defence as the NPFL ushers in a new era of stability and professionalism.