Just over 90 days after sealing their first continental ticket in 27 years, Shooting Stars enter the new 2026/27 NPFL season as one of the teams under the spotlight. The Oluyole Warriors have enjoyed an upward trajectory since last August, but with that rise has come mounting expectations from all quarters.
Club chairman Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami has reiterated his side’s ambitions for the new football season on several occasions over the past 48 hours. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles head coach Salisu Yusuf has taken charge of the Ibadan-based side just weeks before the start of the campaign. Despite boasting an impressive CV, Yusuf will be under scrutiny when he leads the Oluyole Warriors out for the first time on Friday in the season’s curtain-raiser.
The new league season may be set to kick off as scheduled, but questions remain over its promotion, broadcast arrangements and overall visibility. While the league management secured a title sponsor and broadcast agreement just days before kick-off, concerns persist over how effectively the competition will be promoted and presented to a wider audience.
On the pitch, Shooting Stars have bolstered their squad with valuable continental experience as they prepare for their return to Africa. Kalu Nweke, Albert Korvah, Okechukwu Chikamso and Sochima Victor have all featured in continental competitions, and the Oluyole Warriors will be counting on their experience to guide the team through the challenge ahead. Meanwhile, the Oluyole Warriors have also made significant strides off the pitch, securing multiple partnerships ahead of the new season.
Champions Rangers International have managed to keep Fidelis Ilechukwu and CEO Amobi Ezeaku for another season. The duo’s partnership has delivered two league titles in three seasons, and they will be aiming for more as they begin their title defence. However, they will play their home games at the MKO Abiola Arena in Abeokuta due to renovation works at their permanent ground in Enugu. In terms of recruitment, the Flying Antelopes have kept most of the stars from last term, and have added the likes of Folarin Temitope (Ikorodu City), Azeez Falolu (Katsina United), and Uwana Asuquo (Enyimba) to the squad ahead of another campaign on three fronts.
Meanwhile, Rivers United, runners-up in two of the past three seasons, are going all out for the title this term. The pride of Rivers last won the league in 2022, and having missed out by just a point last term, the Finidi George-led technical crew will be keen to prevent history from repeating itself. Abdulrasheed Dabai (Niger Tornadoes), Ugwueze Chinemerem (Plateau United), Junior Aimufua (Kwara United), and former U20 goalkeeper Andy Clinton (Bayelsa United) were among the outstanding players in the NPFL last season who moved to Port Harcourt.
Ikorodu City – the biggest surprise packages in the NPFL with back-to-back fourth-place finishes – enter their third season in the top flight with major changes on the pitch. Captain Tosin Oyedokun, winger Joseph Arumala, striker Ibrahim Ayoola, and veteran Folarin Temitope have all departed the club. As has become customary, the Oga Boys have once again opted for a youthful squad filled with ambitious players, but whether the approach can deliver a third consecutive successful campaign remains to be seen.
New-look Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars will hope that their giant strides off the pitch under new management will spur them to excellent results in the new campaign. The Niger-based side will begin the campaign with a new head coach in Kabiru Dogo, who guided relegated El-Kanemi Warriors to Federation Cup glory in July. Pillars, meanwhile, have former league winner Daniel Ogunmodede at the helm after he ended his long-standing spell with Remo Stars.
Kwara United and Enyimba, who both narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, have largely retained the status quo. Kwara United have lost several key players to clubs at home and abroad, while Enyimba have been relatively tight-lipped about their plans for the new campaign. You have to wonder, right? I do too.
Meanwhile, Barau FC and Bendel Insurance have emerged among the biggest spenders in the transfer window, signalling their ambitions ahead of the new season. However, while both clubs have made significant moves in the market, the real test will be whether their recruitment can translate into success on the pitch. The Maliya were impressive in their debut season, but it seems they are aiming higher this term. Kennedy Boboye begins his full season with the Benin Arsenals.
On the other hand, newcomers – Ranchers Bees and Doma United – have been active in the market, and it remains to be seen if they will retain their status at the end of the season. Second division champions Sporting Lagos have been the most impressive during preparations for this 2026/27 season. Head coach Jeffery Buter, who recently signed a new deal with the Lagos side, said the club is ready to compete upon their return to the topflight.
The new season promises another captivating campaign, with excitement, drama and plenty of talking points expected at venues across the country.
