The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League kicks off today (Friday) with a mouthwatering clash between last season’s champions, Remo Stars, and runners-up Rivers United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Remo Stars, winners of their maiden NPFL title last term, will host the 2022 champions Rivers United in the season opener.
The Sky Blue Stars have adopted the Abeokuta stadium as their temporary home while renovation works continue at their Ikenne base, and they will be hoping to make the ground a fortress as they begin their title defence.
Today’s tie will be the 12th meeting between both sides, with Rivers United boasting superiority in the head-to-head record.
The Port Harcourt club has won seven of the previous encounters, with three ending in draws. Remo’s only victory came in May 2024, a 2-1 triumph during the title run-in to the 2023/24 season, which was eventually won by Rangers International.
The two clubs also clashed during pre-season, with Rivers United claiming a 3-0 win at the Eko International Cup before playing out a goalless draw at the Value Jet Cup.
Rivers United coach Finidi George has strengthened his squad ahead of the campaign with a blend of youth and experience, including new arrivals Ani Ozoemena, John Noble, Nsi Effimi, Rivio Ayemwenre, Anthony Omaka, Seyi Oguntayo, Chinedu Sunday, Azeez Falolu, and Isaac Annor.
Finidi has also reunited with his long-time assistant, Yemi Olanrewaju, to reinforce the technical bench.
For Remo Stars, the opener may come too soon for head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who has been away on duty with the Super Eagles B at the 2024 CHAN.
Assistant coach Sulaiman Kamil, who successfully managed about 10 matches during last season’s title run, is expected to oversee proceedings.
The champions could also be without several players who featured at the CHAN, but they have bolstered their ranks with new signings including Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, returning striker Victor Mbaoma, experienced goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum, and Chigozie Chilekwu.
Last season, Rivers United took four points from the two league fixtures against Remo Stars and eventually finished 10 points adrift of them in the standings.
While Finidi’s men will be eager to make a statement in Abeokuta, Remo Stars, as defending champions, will be determined to set the tone for another strong campaign.