The NPFL 2025/2026 season is set for a dramatic finale that could go down as one of the most memorable endings in the history of the Nigerian topflight, with Lagos and Port Harcourt emerging as the two cities where the title may be decided on the final day.
For the first time in recent memory, league organizers are preparing for two possible champions at two different venues, with Rangers International and Rivers United locked in a tense battle for the crown heading into Matchday 38.
As anticipation builds ahead of Sunday’s decisive fixtures, the Nigeria Premier Football League has confirmed plans to dispatch two trophies one to Lagos and the other to Port Harcourt in readiness for whichever side eventually emerges champions.
Enugu Rangers Team. (The NPFL will dispatch two trophies to Lagos and Port Harcourt ahead of the dramatic final-day title showdown between Rangers and Rivers United in the 2025/2026 season.)
Rangers, who currently top the standings with 65 points, travel to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos where they will face Ikorodu City knowing victory will guarantee them the title regardless of events elsewhere.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United sit just one point behind on 64 and must defeat Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex while hoping Rangers either draw or lose in Lagos.
Rivers United
The extraordinary title permutations have now forced the NPFL into a unique logistical arrangement, with Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, revealing that organizers are making preparations for celebrations in both cities.
“As we speak, we at the NPFL are putting heads together regarding the final matches of the season,” Owumi said.
“We’ve two centres likely to produce the champions of the season, so we’re working on taking a trophy each to Port Harcourt and Lagos, which are the two venues where the winners could emerge.”
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Owumi, fondly remembered during his playing days as ‘Okada Air’, also reflected on what he described as a successful season for the domestic league, especially with the NPFL finale coinciding with the final day of the English Premier League season on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
“It’s always difficult to right an old wrong. And while trying to do the right things, not many will see it, but will instead want the old order to remain,” Owumi stated.
“But with dedication, hard work and commitment, we’re where we are today. And no one is even interested in how we got here. But we insisted the right thing must be done at all times.”
Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, revealing that organizers are making preparations for celebrations in both cities.
The NPFL chief further pointed to the league’s improved competitiveness this season, revealing that an unprecedented number of away victories had been recorded across the campaign.
“As at Matchday 37, we recorded 44 away wins. It has never happened before. We’ll continue to drive for excellence,” he added.
“You just said the 2025/2026 NPFL season is ending on the same day, 24 May 2026, as the English Premier League. We believe more innovations will come.
“When the right things are done, more successes will follow. Investors in sponsorship areas will come, and the Nigerian league and football in general will be better for it.”
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