The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season gets underway in Ibadan on Friday, with Shooting Stars hosting Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Shooting Stars enter the campaign after finishing third last season, a result that ended the club’s 27-year wait for continental football.
The Oluyole Warriors will be looking to improve their recent record on the opening day. They have recorded only one victory in their last five league openers, alongside three draws and one defeat.
The club has also made a change in the technical area, with former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf replacing Nurudeen Aweroro, who led the team to their impressive finish last season.
Several players have also departed, including Ismail Ayodele, Tijani Kabiru and Ayobami Junior, who finished last season as the club’s leading assist provider.
Shooting Stars have responded by adding Taheer Abubakar, Kalu Nweke, Albert Kovarh, Tamuno Kalio, Issa Yusuf and Aule Johnmark to their squad.
For Inter Lagos, the fixture marks the beginning of their first campaign in the NPFL following their historic promotion to the top flight.
The Lagos side already have an indication of what awaits them, having played out a goalless draw with Shooting Stars during a pre-season friendly on August 4.
Head coach Shakiru Biodun Giwa is expected to rely heavily on the players who helped secure the club’s promotion.
With Shooting Stars seeking an early statement and Inter Lagos aiming to announce themselves in the top flight, the encounter promises an intriguing start to the new NPFL campaign.
