As the 2025/26 English Premier League (EPL) season gets underway this weekend, Nigerian fans are in a frenzy of anticipation, poised for another season of drama, rivalry, and unforgettable football moments. More than the matches, the EPL is a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria, uniting millions of fans who passionately support their favourite teams, hotly debate tactics, and celebrate victories as if they were their own.
This season is shaping up to be very competitive.
Liverpool, defending champions under Arne Slot, are seeking to hold on to the trophy after adding Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to their ranks.
Arsenal, bolstered by signings that include Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Viktor Gyokeres, are eager to end their 21-year title drought.
Manchester City, despite losing Kevin De Bruyne, remain one of the title favorites under Pep Guardiola.
Chelsea, riding the momentum of their Club World Cup title, are top-four favorites under Enzo Maresca.
Manchester United, led by Reuben Amorim, aim to bounce back from last season’s 15th-place finish with no European distraction.
Tottenham, now managed by Thomas Frank, are set for a top-six bid with their refreshed squad.
The opening matches have lots of thrills in prospect, with Liverpool vs. Bournemouth, Manchester United vs. Arsenal, and Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace being some of the highlights. The EPL also debuts semi-automated offside technology and live VAR explanations this term to promote refereeing transparency.
Nigerian Fans’ Passion and the Local League
Even though there is massive followership of the EPL in Nigeria, football agent Ifeanyi Omonigho Odugo, an Abuja-based FIFA-licensed intermediary, argues that this interest is not a threat to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Instead, he believes that the problem is that conscientious effort is needed to promote visibility and growth of local football.
“Nigerians are passionate lovers of football, and their adoration of foreign clubs is not, in itself, a threat to our local football,” Odugo said. “The real challenge is the lack of serious support to make our clubs and league visible, audible, and worth viewing.”
He praised governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for backing their state teams but insisted that broader involvement of political, business, and cultural leaders is necessary.
Greater visibility, Odugo explained, can lead to sponsorship opportunities, improved facilities, improved remuneration for players, motivate youths, and ultimately make the NPFL more competitive.
Imagine weekly attendance at NPFL games by A-list celebrities, endorsements by celebrities, and frequent public identification by leading influencers,” he argued. “This can transform matchday culture, attract investors, and Nigerian football to global respect.
Comparing notes with Saudi Arabia’s rebranding of its Pro League and China’s push with the Super League, Odugo called for government funding, enabling policies, and deliberate planning to transform the NPFL into a reputable and respected league locally and internationally.
