NPFL Prepares Two Trophies Ahead of Dramatic Final-Day Title Decider

The Nigeria Premier Football League has confirmed that two league trophies have been prepared ahead of Sunday’s decisive final matchday as Rangers International F.C. and Rivers United F.C. battle for the 2025/26 league title.

The league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, revealed the arrangement amid growing anticipation surrounding what is expected to be one of the most dramatic finales in recent Nigerian top-flight history.

League leaders Rangers will travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City F.C. at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, while Rivers United will host Katsina United F.C. in Port Harcourt.

The title race marks the first time in more than a decade that the NPFL championship will be decided on the final day under the regular league format, increasing excitement among supporters across the country.

Speaking on the league’s preparations, Owumi explained that identical trophies had been positioned in both Lagos and Port Harcourt to ensure immediate presentation once the champions are confirmed.

“We don’t have a replica; we have two trophies. One trophy goes to Lagos and the other goes to Port Harcourt,” Owumi said during a radio interview.

He also disclosed that podiums and presentation arrangements had been duplicated at both venues.

“We already have a podium set up in Lagos, while the one in Port Harcourt is being arranged. Everything that is in Lagos will be replicated in Port Harcourt. Whichever centre the title is decided, we are fully prepared.”

The arrangement mirrors the approach adopted in several major European leagues, where organisers prepare simultaneous trophy presentation ceremonies when multiple teams remain in contention on the final day of the season.

Eight-time champions Rangers are chasing another domestic crown, while Rivers United are aiming to reclaim the title after an impressive campaign.

The last major final-day title drama in Nigerian top-flight football came during the 2023 Super Six playoffs, when Enyimba F.C. secured a record-extending ninth league title in Lagos.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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