2024/2025 NPFL Season Kicks Off with Rangers Int’l FC Facing Elkanemi Warriors

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to kick off this Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Reigning champions Rangers Int’l FC will host Elkanemi Warriors, winners of the 2024 President Federation Cup, in the season opener.

Despite speculation that the match might revive the Charity Cup, NPFL Chairman Olugbenga Elegbeleye has clarified that it will be considered simply the first star fixture of the new season. He has dismissed suggestions of a shootout or a special trophy for the winner, emphasising that it will be treated as a regular league match with three points awarded for a win and a draw if necessary.

For Rangers Int’l FC, this season represents a chance to rebuild their squad and defend their title under Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu. The team has been affected by the departure of key players, including star striker Godwin Obaje, who has moved to the Oman League.

Ilechukwu acknowledged the challenge of replacing these players but is confident in the potential of younger strikers to step up.

Rangers recently faced difficulties in the CAF Champions League, winning the first leg 1-0 against US Zilimadjou FC of Comoros and drawing 1-1 in the second leg, advancing to the next round with a 2-1 aggregate.

Elkanemi Warriors, who have returned to the top tier after a season in the Nigeria National League and winning the 2024 Nigeria President Federation Cup, view Saturday’s match as a chance to stabilize and build on their recent success. They are coming off an exit from the CAF Confederation Cup after a 2-3 aggregate defeat by Dadje FC of Republic of Benin.

In addition, Elegbeleye has suggested discussing with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) the potential reinstatement of the Charity Cup and mentioned the possibility of clubs wearing black armbands to honor major football figures who passed away during the off-season, including Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and Christian Obi.

Aside from the Rangers vs. Elkanemi match, the remaining nine Day-1 fixtures of the NPFL will take place over the weekend, marking the full return of the league.

Writing by Chinedum Ohanusi; Editing by Muzha Kucha