The Nigeria Premier League, distinguished also as the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), stands as the pinnacle of professional football in Nigeria.

Established in 1972, the league has seen tremendous growth and is now highly regarded in African football.

Comprising of 20 teams, the Nigeria Premier League is one of Africa’s most highly competitive leagues, but also functions as a pivotal platform for fostering sporting talent.

Over the years, several historic teams have made their mark on the Nigeria Premier League. Previous title holders include Enugu Rangers International, Shooting Stars Sports Club, Enyimba International Football Club and Plateau United Football Club.

We delve deep into the history of some of the most iconic clubs in the Nigeria Premier League.

Enugu Rangers International

Enugu Rangers International Football Club, commonly known as Enugu Rangers, is a Nigerian professional football club based in Enugu. The club was founded in 1970 and has since become one of the most successful football clubs in Nigeria.

They have won the Nigerian Professional Football League title seven times.

The team also has a strong record in the Nigerian FA Cup, having won it five times.

Enugu Rangers has a passionate fan base and plays its home matches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

They have regularly competed in CAF continental competitions; the Champions League and Confederations Cup.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), also known as the Oluyole Warriors, is a Nigerian football club based in Ibadan, Oyo State. The club was founded in 1970 and has since become one of the most successful football clubs in Nigeria.

They clinched the league title four times, in 1976, 1980, 1983, and 1995, establishing themselves as an early dominant force in Nigerian football.

Shooting Stars Sports Club has a rich history and holds a special place in Nigerian football. Their achievements and strong fan base have cemented their reputation as one of Nigeria’s top football clubs.

Enyimba International Football Club

Established in 1976, Enyimba International Football Club’s base in Aba, Nigeria, has emerged as a citadel of footballing glory.

Their recognised dominance didn’t start until the early noughties. At the turn of the century, they won the Nigeria Premier League a record eight times, including consecutive titles from 2001 to 2004 and again in 2010 and 2015.

They became the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.

With a rich history of success, Enyimba International Football Club continues to inspire and represent Nigerian football on the global stage.

Plateu United Football Club

Plateau United Football Club is a professional football club based in Jos, Nigeria. The club was founded in 1975 and has since become one of the most successful teams in the Nigerian Premier League.

The watershed moment arrived during the 2016/2017 season as Plateau United seized their maiden Nigerian Premier League title, amassing an impressive 66 points to assert their supremacy.

Their tenacity has solidified their stature as a potent force within Nigerian football, as reflected in their commendable performances in continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

Prospects on the Horizon

The future of the Nigeria Premier League looks promising. With increasing investment in infrastructure, funding, and player development, we can expect even more competitive matches and higher standards of football.

The league also is starting to attract international attention, which will further enhance its growth and popularity.

The Playbook will regularly keep abreast with the stories unfolding in the Nigerian Premier League season.

Here are the first set of fixtures scheduled for Saturday 9th September 2023.