NPFL Sets May 24 Finale as Ranchers Bees Secure Return to Nigeria’s Top Flight

Posted : 23 April 2026

The Nigeria Premier Football League has officially scheduled May 24 as the final day for the 2025-2026 season. League Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi confirmed that the campaign is progressing according to the original plan. This announcement ensures that the domestic calendar remains on track despite recent scheduling adjustments.

Owumi explained that the league body worked closely with the Nigeria Football Federation Competitions Department before the season began. They created specific windows to accommodate the President Federation Cup within the league schedule. This strategic planning aims to prevent the fixture disruptions that often affected previous Nigerian football seasons.

The league will follow a clear path toward the season finale over the coming weeks. Matchday 36 fixtures are scheduled for May 3, followed by Matchday 37 on May 10. A brief hiatus is planned for May 16 and 17 to allow for Federation Cup matches before the final round.

According to Owumi, maintaining the integrity of the fixture list required significant effort and planning. He noted that the cooperation of the participating clubs was essential to keeping the season on schedule. Currently, the league is observing a short break as teams compete in the state-level stages of the Federation Cup.

In promotion news, Ranchers Bees have officially secured their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League. The Kaduna-based side clinched the top spot in NNL Conference D to end a long wait for elite football. This achievement marks the first time the club will compete in the top flight since their relegation in 2010.

Ranchers Bees secured the promotion ticket despite suffering a 2-0 loss to Gombe United in their final game. Their position at the top was confirmed after rivals Jigawa Golden Stars lost 3-0 against Kebbi United. The Bees now join Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, and Doma United as the four teams promoted to the NPFL.

These four promoted clubs will travel to Ikenne in May to participate in the NNL Super Four tournament. This competition will determine the overall champion of the second tier before they join the top flight for the 2026-2027 season. The NFF has also reminded clubs that strict sanctions exist for any team failing to honor domestic cup commitments.

NPFL Sets May 24 Finale as Ranchers Bees Secure Return to Nigeria’s Top Flight

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