Stephen Ahwen welcomes listeners back to a new season of Niger League Focus on Sport Flames Radio with a complete review of the 2025/2026 NPFL campaign and a detailed preview of the upcoming 2026/2027 season opening fixtures starting August 28, 2026.

The episode kicks off with a recap of Enugu Rangers securing their ninth NPFL title following a 2-1 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors on the final matchday, with captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scoring both goals. Rivers United finished second to join Rangers in the CAF Champions League slots, while Shooting Stars finished third to claim a CAF Confederation Cup spot, returning to continental football for the first time in 27 years. The recap also covers the surprising relegation of 2024/2025 champions Remo Stars, alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists to the Nigerian National League.

Focusing on the 2026/2027 opening matchday, the host breaks down the Southwest Derby between Shooting Stars and newly promoted debutants Inter Lagos at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. Shooting Stars bring experienced management under Gbenga Ogunbote, strong home fan support, and momentum from their continental qualification. Inter Lagos enter as top-flight debutants after dominating NNL Conference A with 29 points in 15 games, utilizing a possession-based style and sharp attacking transitions.

The episode concludes with a run-through of the remaining Matchday 1 fixtures scheduled across the league:Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat FCBarau FC vs Nasarawa UnitedBendem Insurance vs El-Kanemi WarriorsDoma United vs Sporting LagosEnyimba City vs Remo Stars BIkorodu United vs Kano PillarsNiger Tornadoes vs Enyimba FCRangers International vs Katsina UnitedRivers United vs Plateau United

Listeners are invited to share their match predictions and contact the show at info@sportflames.com or via phone/WhatsApp at +234-90-9028-7225.

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Chapter outline:

00:00:00: Season Opening Announcement and Host Introduction00:02:48: 2025/2026 NPFL Season Recap and Title Winner00:05:08: Continental Qualifications and Relegation Breakdown00:10:08: Featured Opening Fixture Preview: Shooting Stars vs Inter Lagos00:17:20: Complete Matchday 1 League Fixtures Preview00:24:00: Match Predictions and Contact Details