The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed clubs to clear outstanding salary obligations owed to players and coaches and undergo mandatory stadium inspections and licensing processes ahead of the commencement of the 2026/2027 season, which is scheduled to kick off between August 28 and 30, 2026.
The directives are contained in the league’s newly released calendar of activities, which outlines a series of pre-season programmes aimed at ensuring participating clubs meet operational, financial and licensing requirements before the opening weekend of the new campaign.
According to the calendar, the pre-season programme will commence in June with club licensing, settlement of outstanding salary obligations to players and coaches, inspection of stadiums and facilities, and compliance checks for all participating clubs.
The league also scheduled its Annual General Meeting (AGM), official draws and the Super 4/6 tournament in Lagos as part of activities leading to the new season.
The calendar further indicates that player registration and licensing will take place throughout 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 league’s opening fixtures.
The NPFL confirmed that the 2026/2027 season will begin between August 28 and 30, with the 38-match campaign expected to run until May 30, 2027.
According to the schedule, the first half of the season will conclude after Matchday 19 in December before the league observes a mid-season break from December 23, 2026, to January 6, 2027.
The second transfer window will remain open throughout January before league matches resume.
The league also made provisions for the President Federation Cup, with state playoffs scheduled for early February 2027.
The 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 addition, the NPFL outlined a longer-term plan to maintain a stable football calendar, noting that while the 2025/2026 season will end on May 24, 2026, the 2026/2027 campaign is expected to conclude on May 30, 2027.
The league further disclosed that the 2027/2028 season is tentatively scheduled to commence between August 27 and 29, 2027, underscoring efforts to sustain a consistent annual football calendar.
The calendar also includes orientation programmes for newly promoted clubs as part of preparations for the new campaign, reflecting the league’s drive to improve compliance, club administration and overall professionalism across Nigeria’s top-flight football competition.
