The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is set to kick off with a bang as the 54th edition of Nigeria’s top-flight football promises excitement and competition across the country. With ten matches scheduled for the opening day, football enthusiasts will witness the best of Nigerian football, with teams battling it out for supremacy.
In the opening fixtures, Abia Warriors will face off against Remo Stars, while Enyimba, one of the most successful clubs in the league’s history, will take on the newcomers, Beyond Limits. Defending champions Enugu Rangers are set to begin their title defence against El Kanemi Warriors, while Lobi Stars will host Akwa United in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Other fixtures include Kwara United going head-to-head with Niger Tornadoes, Bendel Insurance locking horns with Rivers United, Kano Pillars taking on another debutant, Ikorodu City, Sunshine Stars facing Bayelsa United, Nasarawa United clashing with Shooting Stars, and Plateau United battling Katsina United.
As the players prepare to take the field, the tactical minds behind the scenes—the coaches—will be pivotal in guiding their teams through the challenges of the season. Each team is led by a coach with unique experiences and philosophies, all aiming for a successful campaign.
Here’s a closer look at the 20 coaches set to clash in the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
Fidelis Ilechukwu (Enugu Rangers)
Fidelis Ilechukwu is no stranger to Nigerian football. His rise to prominence began with MFM FC, where he led the team from the lower divisions to the NPFL, securing a continental spot in the CAF Champions League. After a successful stint with MFM FC, Ilechukwu moved on to coach Heartland FC, where he continued to showcase his tactical prowess. At Enugu Rangers, Ilechukwu’s impact has been profound, leading the team to the league title last season, marking their eighth overall championship.
Gbenga Ogunbote (Shooting Stars)
Gbenga Ogunbote, known as “The Oracle” for his deep tactical knowledge, has been a fixture in the NPFL for years. He has coached several top clubs, including Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, and Enugu Rangers. At Shooting Stars, also known as 3SC, Ogunbote has been tasked with reviving the club’s fortunes and restoring them to their former glory.
Eugene Agagbe (Lobi Stars)
Eugene Agagbe recently extended his contract with Lobi Stars, a testament to the club’s faith in his abilities. Holding a ‘B’ category CAF license, Agagbe has proven his worth in previous seasons and was appointed as the head coach after serving as the interim coach in 2022. His knowledge and understanding of the game have earned him a two-year deal with Lobi Stars, and he will be looking to steer the team to greater heights in the upcoming season.
Finidi George (Rivers United)
Finidi George, a former Nigerian international and one of the most iconic figures in Nigerian football, transitioned into coaching after his illustrious playing career. His appointment as head coach of Enyimba International FC in 2021 marked the beginning of his managerial career, where he led the team to a league title two seasons ago. Now at Rivers United, Finidi brings his vast experience and tactical expertise to the club, aiming to replicate his previous success and lead Rivers United to glory.
Ladan Bosso (Bayelsa United)
Ladan Bosso, a seasoned coach in the NPFL, is set to manage Bayelsa United for the second time. Having previously handled the team in 2012, Bosso returns with a wealth of experience, having managed clubs like Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, and Abia Warriors. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by Bayelsa United to address the struggles they faced last season.
Olumide Ajibolade (Beyond Limits)
Olumide Ajibolade has been a key figure in the success of Beyond Limits, a team making its debut in the NPFL this season. Known for his quiet demeanor, Ajibolade has achieved remarkable success, winning three consecutive league titles in The Creative Championship (TCC League) before leading his team to victory in the 2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoff, securing promotion to the NPFL.
Monday Odigie (Bendel Insurance)
Monday Odigie, known for his passionate and often intense post-match interviews, was reappointed as the head of the technical crew of Bendel Insurance in 2021. Under his leadership, Bendel Insurance has seen a resurgence, winning the NPFL title in 2019 and breaking an eleven-year promotion jinx for the club.
Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars)
Daniel Ogunmodede has been a driving force behind Remo Stars’ rise in Nigerian football. Known for his emphasis on developing young talent and playing an attractive, possession-based style of football, Ogunmodede has transformed Remo Stars into a competitive side in the NPFL.
Bright Ozegbagbe (Ikorodu City)
Bright Ozegbagbe, the new head coach of Ikorodu City, has been tasked with guiding the team through their first-ever NPFL campaign. Ozegbagbe, who has previously worked with Gateway United and the now-defunct Mountain of Fire and Miracle FC, led Ikorodu City to an impressive performance in the 2024 NNL Super 8 Playoffs, securing their promotion to the top flight.
Mohammed Babaganaru (Akwa United)
Mohammed Babaganaru brings a wealth of experience to Akwa United, having won the NPFL title with Kano Pillars and previously worked with clubs like Nasarawa United, Wikki Tourists, and Lobi Stars. Babaganaru’s appointment at Akwa United is seen as a move to stabilize the club after a difficult season where they narrowly escaped relegation.
Yemi Olanrewaju (Enyimba)
Yemi Olanrewaju begins his tenure as the permanent head coach of Enyimba this season, having previously served as an assistant coach. Olanrewaju, who was instrumental in Enyimba’s success under Finidi George, opted to stay with the club despite offers to join Rivers United.
Imama Amapakabo (Abia Warriors)
Imama Amapakabo returns to Abia Warriors for his second stint with the club. Amapakabo, who made a name for himself by leading Enugu Rangers to the league title in 2016, is known for his ability to work with young talent and implement effective tactical systems.
Mbwas Mangut (Plateau United)
Mbwas Mangut, appointed in 2023, is one of the rising stars among NPFL coaches. Previously an assistant coach at Rangers International, Mangut has quickly established himself as a promising coach with his work at Plateau United. His challenge will be to build on the team’s recent successes and guide them to a strong performance in the new season.
Aliyu Zubairu (El Kanemi Warriors)
Aliyu Zubairu, who led El Kanemi Warriors to victory in the 2024 President Federation Cup, has a wealth of experience in the NPFL, having managed clubs like Kwara United, Gombe United, and Wikki Tourists. Zubairu’s success in the lower divisions and his experience in top-flight football make him a valuable asset for El Kanemi Warriors as they return to the NPFL.
Kabiru Dogo (Kwara United)
Kabiru Dogo, appointed as Kwara United’s Technical Adviser in 2023, faces the challenge of rebuilding the team after the departure of 22 players at the end of last season. Despite this, Dogo remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. His previous success with Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars, where he achieved top-four finishes, demonstrates his ability to lead teams to success in the NPFL.
Kennedy Boboye (Sunshine Stars)
Kennedy Boboye, who led Plateau United to their first-ever NPFL title in the 2016/2017 season, is known for his tactical acumen and leadership qualities. After successful stints with Abia Warriors and Akwa United, Boboye returns to Sunshine Stars, where he will aim to replicate his previous success and guide the team to a strong performance in the new season.
Bishir Sadauki (Katsina United)
Bishir Sadauki, a long-serving coach with Katsina United, has quietly made a name for himself in Nigerian football. His work with Katsina United has been focused on building a stable and competitive team in the NPFL.
Majin Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes)
Majin Mohammed has been a key figure in the development of Niger Tornadoes, a team with a history of fluctuating between the NPFL and lower divisions. His leadership will be crucial as Niger Tornadoes aim to maintain their status in the top flight.
Adams Usman (Nasarawa United)
Adams Usman, who led Nasarawa United back to the NPFL, is an experienced coach with a deep understanding of the league. His previous work with clubs like Katsina United and Sunshine Stars, where he achieved significant successes, including leading Sunshine Stars to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, makes him a valuable asset for Nasarawa United as they return to the NPFL.
Abdu Maikaba (Kano Pillars)
Abdu Maikaba returns to Kano Pillars with a mission to restore the club’s former glory. With an extensive coaching background that includes stints with Enyimba, Akwa United, Plateau United, and Enugu Rangers, Maikaba’s experience and tactical expertise will be essential as Kano Pillars aim to compete for the league title and re-establish themselves as one of the top teams in Nigerian football.
As the new NPFL season kicks off, the competition among these 20 coaches promises to be fierce. Each one brings a unique blend of experience, tactical knowledge, and a burning desire to succeed. The battle for the championship will not only be fought on the pitch but also in the minds of these coaches as they navigate the challenges of a long and demanding season.
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