By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to all participating clubs over possible sanctions, including points and goals deductions, if they violate fixture directives during the final two matchdays of the 2025/2026 season.
The decision affects Matchday 37 and 38, which will determine the title race, continental qualification, and relegation survival across the league.
According to NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, all remaining fixtures will be played simultaneously at 4pm on the same dates to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of competition.
He emphasized that no club will be allowed to request changes in kick-off time or match rescheduling.
The league body further stated that clubs must ensure approved home venues are available or communicate alternative NPFL-accredited stadiums before the deadline of May 7, 2026.
Failure to comply will result in the league assigning a venue for the fixture without consultation.
The NPFL warned that any breach of these regulations could lead to strict punishment, including forfeiture of three points and three goals.
The simultaneous kick-off arrangement is aimed at preventing unfair advantage as Abia Warriors, Enyimba, Rangers, Remo Stars, and other clubs battle for survival and continental spots in a tightly contested season.
Matchday 37 fixtures include key clashes such as Remo Stars vs Bayelsa United and Kano Pillars vs Warri Wolves, with all games scheduled to kick off simultaneously as the season reaches a dramatic conclusion.
This directive comes at a crucial stage of the season where multiple teams are separated by only a few points on the league table, making every goal and result potentially decisive.
The NPFL explained that simultaneous kick-off is a global standard used in competitive leagues to eliminate strategic manipulation and ensure all teams compete under equal conditions.
Fans across Nigeria are expected to witness a highly tense finale as relegation-threatened sides and title contenders play under maximum pressure, with disciplinary measures set to reinforce discipline and professionalism across the league structure.
