NPFL unveils 2026/27 season calendar, sets August 28 kick-off

NPFL unveils 2026/27 season calendar, sets August 28 kick-off

The Nigeria Premier Football League has released its calendar of activities for the 2026/2027 season, with the new campaign scheduled to kick off between August 28 and 30, 2026, following a series of pre-season programmes aimed at ensuring clubs meet operational and licensing requirements.

According to the schedule, the pre-season programme will begin in June with club licensing, settlement of outstanding salary obligations to players and coaches, inspection of stadiums and facilities, and compliance checks on participating clubs.

The league will also hold its Annual General Meeting, official draws, and the Super 4/6 tournament in Lagos before the commencement of the new season.

The calendar also provides for player registration and licensing in July and August, while the first transfer window will run from July 15 to September 14. Clubs are expected to complete player registration by August 22 ahead of the opening weekend of the campaign.

The 38-match league season will be played from late August 2026 until May 30, 2027. The first half of the campaign will conclude with Matchday 19 in December before the league observes a mid-season break from December 23 to January 6. The second transfer window will open throughout January 2027 before league action resumes.

Alongside league fixtures, the calendar accommodates the President Federation Cup, with the state playoffs scheduled for early February 2027.

The national competition will progress through the Round of 64, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the conclusion of the league season in May.

The NPFL also outlined its long-term scheduling plan, noting that while the 2025/2026 season ends on May 24, 2026, the 2026/2027 campaign is expected to end on May 30, 2027.

The league further indicated that the 2027/2028 season is tentatively scheduled to begin between August 27 and 29, 2027, as part of efforts to maintain a consistent football calendar.

The calendar aligns with the league's broader preparations for the new season, which also include orientation activities for newly promoted clubs.