The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gets underway with Plateau United stepping into the new campaign under a wave of change and expectation.
With a fresh management team now at the helm, the Peace Boys are poised to begin what many in Jos see as a defining chapter in the club’s journey.
Their opening fixture — an away clash against newly promoted Wikki Tourists in Bauchi — is more than just a football match. It’s a test of character, ambition, and early signs of whether Plateau United’s off-season shake-up can spark on-field transformation.
All Eyes on Bauchi: Wikki vs Plateau United
The Northern derby on Matchday 1 is rich with subplots. Wikki Tourists return to the topflight determined to hold their ground, while Plateau United are looking to send a strong message across the league. For a club that has flirted with inconsistency in recent seasons, a positive start away from home would speak volumes.
The management changes ordered by the Plateau State Government came with a clear directive: rebuild and compete. The dissolution of the previous management and installation of new leadership signals a reset — one that fans hope will reinvigorate a club that once wore the crown and carried continental hopes.
New Faces, New Mandate
The new leadership at Plateau United is not just expected to win matches — they’re expected to reshape the club’s culture. From squad depth to technical direction, from fan engagement to financial discipline, there’s plenty to fix. But more importantly, there’s now a chance to do things right.
The early signs suggest a deliberate move toward a more structured and professionally run club. Whether that translates into results on the pitch will be seen over the coming weeks, but the ambition is clear: Plateau United want back in the title conversation.
The Other Fixtures to Watch
While attention in the North Central zone will be firmly on Wikki vs Plateau United, the rest of Matchday 1 also features heavyweight clashes:
- Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars
- Rangers vs Kun Khalifa FC
- Remo Stars vs Rivers United
- Kwara United vs Ikorodu City
- Barau FC vs Enyimba FC
- Katsina United vs Warri Wolves
- Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United
- El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance
- Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United
It’s a new season with new narratives. Defending champions Remo Stars are out to retain their crown, but clubs like Enyimba, Rangers, and Rivers United won’t be far behind. Barau FC and Kun Khalifa FC, both making their NPFL debuts, will also be keen to make an impression.