NPFL Enforces Simultaneous Kick-Off For Final Matchdays
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The Nigeria Premier Football League has directed that all fixtures for Matchdays 37 and 38 of the ongoing season will be played simultaneously in a move aimed at ensuring fairness and preserving the integrity of the competition.
The directive was communicated to all participating clubs through a memo issued on Thursday by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.
According to Owumi, every game scheduled for the final two matchdays will kick off at exactly 4 p.m. on their respective dates. He explained that the decision was necessary to guarantee sporting fairness, particularly as clubs continue to battle for continental qualification spots, survival, and final league standings.
“It has 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 league management also warned clubs against seeking adjustments to the approved dates and kick-off times due to venue-related issues. Clubs unable to use their regular home grounds have been instructed to immediately secure alternative venues that are accredited by the NPFL.
Owumi further noted that any club facing venue challenges must notify the league management of an alternative approved stadium before the close of business on May 7, 2026.
He added that failure to comply with the directive would leave the league body with no option but to select a venue on behalf of the affected club.
The simultaneous scheduling of decisive fixtures is a common practice in football leagues around the world, especially during the closing stages of a season, to prevent manipulation of results and maintain competitive balance across the table.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
