NPFL Warns Clubs Over Final-day Rules As Title Race Heads For Dramatic Finish

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong warning to clubs ahead of the final two matchdays of the 2025/26 season.

The NPFL warned that any breach of fixture directives could result in severe sanctions, including points and goal deductions.

With matchdays 37 and 38 set to decide the title race, continental places and relegation survival, the league body has insisted that all fixtures must be played simultaneously to protect fairness and sporting integrity.

In a directive signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, clubs were reminded that all remaining games have been scheduled for the same date and 4 p.m. kick-off.

“It has also become imperative to remind all clubs that the remaining games of Matchday 37 and 38 have been scheduled to be played simultaneously on the same date and kick-off time of 4pm,” Owumi stated.

“This decision is to ensure sporting fairness and to protect the integrity of our matches and results.”

The NPFL also made it clear that clubs will not be allowed to request changes to dates or kick-off times, even if they face challenges with their home venues.

Clubs unable to use their approved stadiums must notify the league of an alternative NPFL-accredited ground before the deadline of May 7, 2026.

“Should any club have issues of unavailability of regular venue, such club must choose and communicate an alternative NPFL accredited venue before close of business on May 7, 2026,” the memo added.

“Should any club fail to do so, the NPFL will choose a venue for the fixture.”

The league further warned that any breach of the directive could result in a three-point and three-goal forfeiture.

Matchday 37 fixtures, all set for simultaneous 4pm kick-off, will see Abia Warriors host Kun Khalifa, while El Kanemi Warriors face Niger Tornadoes.

Kano Pillars will take on Warri Wolves, with Katsina United hosting Ikorodu City. Kwara United welcome Enyimba, while Nasarawa United meet Plateau United.

Enugu Rangers will face Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars host Bayelsa United, Shooting Stars take on Barau, while Wikki Tourists entertain Rivers United.

All the NPFL matchday 37 games will kick off at 4pm WAT.

Rangers, Rivers United and Insurance set for Tense Run-in as NPFL Title Race Intensifies.

Attention now shifts to a decisive clash in Enugu, where Enugu Rangers will battle Bendel Insurance in a matchday 37 fixture with major implications for both ends of the table.

Rangers go into the match at 4 p.m., topping the NPFL table, with a point lead over second-placed Rivers United. A win would draw them closer to a ninth league title and bring them level with Enyimba as the most successful club in Nigerian top-flight history.

Bendel Insurance, however, arrive in strong form and remains firmly in the hunt for continental qualification. They sit fifth on 55 points and are targeting a CAF Confederation Cup spot heading into the final stretch.

Elsewhere, Rivers United face a tricky away trip to bottom-placed Wikki Tourists, who are fighting to avoid relegation.