It is exciting times across the country, once again, as the big football clubs begin another campaign for the tag of the best side in Nigeria.
Last season, Enugu Rangers braved all the odds to pip Remo Stars and then defending champions, Enyimba, to the title. The Flying Antelopes have vowed to retain the title, which conveys on the winner, opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious CAF Champions League.

This term promises a tough battle for Rangers and the usual contenders, Enyimba, Remo Stars, Rivers United, 3SC and Lobi Stars, as well as other clubs, have girded their loins, ready to snatch the crown and run with it to the continent.

The opening game last week between Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors showed that any unprepared team would be in for a surprise.
El-Kanemi Warriors, who came from the lower league to defeat Abia Warriors in the President Federation Cup last season, is one of the clubs tipped to shake the existing order in their first season back in the elite league.

This year’s league is poised to be even more exciting, thanks to the increased visibility provided by StarTimes’s acquisition of the NPFL broadcasting rights.
 
The StarTimes broadcast deal has added another layer of excitement, bringing live matches directly into fans’ living rooms and captivating a broader audience nationwide.

This groundbreaking partnership has revolutionised the way fans experience the league, making it more accessible and enjoyable. Enugu Rangers have strengthened their squad with new signings, including Anayor Ogbonna, Ekeson Okorie, and Tekena Garando. Led by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, they aim to become the first side to defend their title in over a decade. But in the aforementioned Remo Stars, they face a team that retained the bulk of last season’s squad and strengthened with new additions like Alex Oyowah and Faisal Sani.
The Daniel Ogunmodede-led side seek to win the trophy after finishing second in back-to-back seasons.

Fans of record champions, Enyimba, are looking forward to a season devoid of some of the controversies that cost them their crown. Although the Peoples Elephant have lost some players to foreign clubs, they have equally recruited capable replacements, including Wasiu Jimoh from Zambia’s Zesko United and Kalu Nweke from Enugu Rangers.

Another team capable of toppling the applecart is Kano Pillars, now led by former Enyimba coach, Usman Abd’Allah. Under Abd’Allah, Kano Pillars have undergone significant restructuring and signed new players, including Mohammed Zulkifilu from Enugu Rangers.

Rivers United, coached now by former Super Eagles and Enyimba Coach, Finidi George, is one other potential champion going by the pedigree of George, who won the title with Enyimba.
 
George is on a redemption mission with the Port Harcourt-based club after his reputation was battered during his stint as Super Eagles coach. Rivers United have signed Taiwo Abdulrafiu and Bamidele Adeniyi as they seek to rebuild after losing players to foreign deals.
 
Jos-based Plateau United have such players as Sadiq Abubakar, Adewale Adeyinka and Chinedu Sunday, while losing Albert Hillary and Nenrot Silas. They seek to challenge for the crown they won a couple of seasons ago. 
 
Shooting Stars had a great ending to last season, only missing out in a continental ticket by the barest of margins. This term they have bolstered their squad with such tough campaigners as Lukman Binuyo and Ikouwem Utin, but lost key figures like Gbolagade Adelowo and Dele Aniyikaye.

Other clubs that may try to change the narrative in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are Sunshine Stars of Akure with Coach Kennedy Boboye now in his first full season with the side. They have brought in Seth Mayi and Isaac James and some other young talents to push for a better campaign this season. Sunshine will be playing their home matches at the Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu Ode with the Akure Stadium undergoing renovation.

Newcomers, Ikorodu City, are in their first season among the elite of Nigerian football. Led by Bright Ozegbagbei, Ikorodu City have been prudent in their dealings as they pursue their main target of retaining their status at the end of the season.

Heartland had a reprieve from the NPFL as they retained their position in the elite league despite being relegated at the end of last season.
In a welcome development, Emmanuel Amuneke has joined Heartland FC, marking his return to the Nigerian football scene. After gaining valuable experience coaching in Sudan, Tanzania, and Egypt, Amuneke is now poised to make his mark on the home front.
 
All the NPFL games will hold on Sunday because of Super Eagles’ African Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic on Saturday in Uyo. In the games listed for the tomorrow, Heartland will host Enyimba, Kwara United will entertain Niger Tornadoes, Sunshine Stars are against Bayelsa United in Ijebu Ode, just as Bendel Insurance will host Rivers United, while Abia Warriors will go against Remo Stars in Umuahia.