NPFL Maintains Schedule Despite 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 11 — 12
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that its 2025/26 season will proceed uninterrupted even as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
Only five players from the NPFL were included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional AFCON squad. Given the low number and the slim chances of many making the final selection, league officials say continuing matches makes sense.
The league’s management, represented by spokesperson Harry Iwuala, stated that fixtures will go ahead “as already published,” except in the event of a compelling force majeure. According to the official schedule, NPFL will observe a brief mid-season pause from December 30, 2025 to January 6, 2026 with the mid-season transfer window opening from January 1 to 30, 2026.
As of week 16 of the season, Nasarawa United lead the standings with 30 points, closely followed by Ikorodu City (28 points) and Rivers United (27 points, with two games in hand). The reigning champions Remo Stars are in mid-table with 22 points, while former champions Kano Pillars find themselves at the bottom with 12 points.
