NPFL Orders Simultaneous Kick-Off for Final Two Matchdays to Protect League Integrity

The Nigeria Premier Football League has announced that all Matchday 37 and Matchday 38 fixtures of the 2025/26 season will be played simultaneously.

The directive was confirmed in a memo issued to clubs by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, on Thursday.

According to Owumi, the decision is aimed at ensuring fairness across the competition and preserving the credibility of the league as the season reaches its decisive stage.

“It has also become imperative to remind all clubs that the remaining games of Matchday 37 and 38 have been scheduled to be played simultaneously on the same date, with a kick-off time of 4 p.m.,” the memo stated.

“This decision is to ensure sporting fairness and to protect the integrity of our matches and results.”

The NPFL also warned clubs against requesting fixture adjustments due to venue-related issues.

Owumi instructed any club unable to use its regular home ground to notify the league of an alternative NPFL-accredited venue before the close of business on May 7, 2026.

“Should any club fail to do so, the NPFL will choose a venue for the fixture,” he added.

Opinion: A Necessary Move for a League Fighting for Credibility

The decision by the Nigeria Premier Football League to schedule simultaneous kick-offs is not just smart—it is essential.

Around the world, top leagues use simultaneous final-day fixtures to prevent manipulation, reduce unfair advantages, and maintain competitive balance. When teams know results from other matches before kickoff, it can influence tactics, urgency, and sometimes even controversial outcomes.

For Nigerian football, where questions about officiating, logistics, and league transparency have occasionally surfaced over the years, this move sends a positive message.

It shows the NPFL is becoming more intentional about protecting the integrity of the competition.

However, the real test lies in execution.

Coordinating venues, officiating standards, security, broadcasting, and travel logistics across multiple states at the same kickoff time is a major organisational challenge. Any inconsistency could quickly overshadow the good intention behind the policy.

Still, this is a step in the right direction.

If Nigerian football truly wants to compete with stronger leagues across Africa and beyond, professionalism must extend beyond the pitch—and fairness on the final matchdays is one of the clearest signs of a serious league structure.