Oluchi Tobex Tobe-Chukwu FSWAN , MCS , CSS
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has highly commended the management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the sustainable progress and stability recently recorded in the country’s topflight division.
Speaking on the strides made by the league body, Enabulele singled out the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, praising his pragmatic and visionary leadership for successfully establishing a reliable and predictable football calendar.
“Our premier league has impressed tremendously in its operational standard and has been stable and consistent, following the calendar for the past three seasons with a clear sense of direction,” Enabulele stated. “Elegbeleye’s management committee deserves commendation for ensuring that season kickoffs and conclusions go as planned without any major hiccups.”
Enabulele’s praise coincides with the official release of the 2026/27 NPFL season schedule. During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and draws ceremony held on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the league management confirmed that the new season will officially commence on Friday, August 28
The highly anticipated curtain-raiser will see Shooting Stars SC (3SC) of Ibadan lock horns with Inter Lagos FC in an opening-day thriller in Ibadan.
Bendel Insurance Ready to Build on Last Season
Edo State’s flagship club, Bendel Insurance FC, who secured a respectable fifth-place finish in the 2025/26 season, will look to surpass that feat as they begin their new campaign with a regional derby. The Benin Arsenals will host Warri Wolves in their opening fixture on Sunday, August 30.
In a massive boost for the team, Bendel Insurance will finally welcome their passionate fans back to the stands to cheer them on, having fully served out their three-match behind-closed-doors stadium ban.
The club’s opening five fixtures for the 2026/27 season have been confirmed as follows:
- Matchday 1: Warri Wolves (Home)
- Matchday 2 : Nasarawa United (Away)
- Matchday 3 : Kun Khalifat FC (Home)
- Matchday 4: Ranchers Bees (Away)
- Matchday 5 : Ikorodu City FC (Home)
