The Nigeria Premier Football League has confirmed that its 2025/26 season schedule will remain unchanged despite the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.
The decision contrasts with several other African leagues that have paused their fixtures to accommodate the tournament, especially those whose clubs have many players representing their national teams.
South Africa’s PSL, for instance, announced a break from December 7 to January 23.
In Nigeria’s case, only five NPFL players were included in the Super Eagles’ 54-man provisional list, and their chances of making the final squad remain slim.
The players are Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, strikers Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves), and Abia Warriors defender Adekunle Adeleke.
Despite this, the NPFL has stated that fixtures will go on uninterrupted. “The mid-season remains as captured in the fixtures, and the league will run as already published, except there is a compelling force majeure,” NPFL spokesperson Harry Iwuala said
According to the official schedule, the league will observe only a one-week break from December 30 to January 6. The mid-season transfer window will run from January 1 to 30, while the season is set to conclude on May 24, 2026.
Reactions from players and coaches have been mixed, with many choosing to remain anonymous. A coach from a top-three team noted that only five rounds of matches fall within the AFCON window and argued that there’s no need to halt the league since few NPFL players will be involved with the national team.
A player from a northern club added that the league did not pause during the last AFCON, suggesting this year will be no different.
Another player, however, felt a brief holiday break would help teams and allow fans to focus fully on the national team’s campaign in Morocco.
The NPFL is currently in Week 16, with Nasarawa United topping the table on 30 points. Ikorodu City follow with 28 points, while Rivers United, who have two outstanding games, sit third with 27 points.