List Of Teams In The NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)

Which are the clubs on the list of teams in the NPFL? How many teams are in Nigeria Premier League? Which football club is the oldest in Nigeria? How many clubs are in NPFL? What are the names of Nigerian football clubs?

Before I go into the list of teams in the NPFL, let me show you all the names of all the registered football clubs in Nigeria.

List Of Football Clubs In Nigeria

1. Abia Comets
2. Abia Warriors F.C.
3. Abiola Babes
4. ABS F.C.
5. Abuja F.C.
6. ACB Lagos
7. Adamawa United F.C.
8. Akpor United F.C.
9. Akwa Starlets FC
10. Akwa United F.C.
11. Anambra Pillars F.C.
12. Anambra United F.C.
13. Apa United FC
14. Babanawa F.C.
15. Bayelsa United F.C.
16. BCC Lions
17. Bendel Insurance F.C.
18. Bridge Boys F.C.
19. Bussdor United F.C.
20. C.O.D United Football Club of Lagos
21. Calabar Rovers
22. Crown F.C.
23. Cynosure FC of Ebonyi state
24. Dalhatu United
25. DSS FC
26. DaltaForce FC
27. El-Kanemi Warriors
28. Enugu Rangers
29. Enyimba International F.C.
30. Esan F.C.
31. First Bank F.C.
32. Fountain FC
33. Gateway United F.C.
34. Giwa FC
35. Go Round F.C.
36. Gombe United F.C.
37. Gbagada Fc
38. Heartland F.C.
39. Ifeanyi Ubah F.C
40. Ikorodu United F.C.
41. Ilesa Dynamos F.C.
42. FC Inter Enugu
43. Ikorodu City Fc
44. Jasper United
45. Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.
46. JUTH F.C.
47. Kada City F.C.
48. Kaduna United F.C.
49. Kano Pillars F.C.
50. Kogi United
51. Kwara United F.C.
52. Knights F.C. Ife
53. Leventis United
54. Lobi Stars F.C.
55. MFM FC
56. Mighty Jets F.C.
57. My People FC
58. Milars Football Club
59. NAF Rockets F.C.
60. Nasarawa United F.C.
61. Nembe City F.C.
62. NEPA Lagos
63. New Nigeria Bank F.C.
64. Niger Tornadoes F.C.
65. NITEL Vasco Da Gama F.C.
66. Oasis Football Club
67. Ocean Boys F.C.
68. Owazi F.C
69. Obio Akpor Football Club
70. Plateau United F.C.
71. Prime F.C.
72. Racca Rovers
73. Ranchers Bees FC
74. Remo FC
75. Rising Stars F.C.
76. Rivers United F.C.
77. Sharks F.C.
78. Shooting Stars SC
79. Sokoto United
80. Spotlight F.C.
81. Star Base Football Club
82. Stationery Stores F.C.
83. Sunshine Stars F.C.
84. Sunsel F.C.
85. Super 11 F.C.
86. Taraba F.C.
87. TEAP FC
88. Udoji United F.C.
89. Union Bank F.C.
90. Vandrezzer F.C.
91. Warri Wolves F.C.
92. Westside F.C.
93. Wikki Tourists F.C.
94. Wolonso United F.C.
95. Yankari Babes FC
96. Zabgai Fc of Bauchi
97. Zamfara United F.C.

No doubt, there was no way all of these football clubs in Nigeria could have featured in the Nigeria Professional Football League, I’m sure you know that, right? A number of criteria were put in place by the League Management Company (LMC) to organise and promote the league in order to meet global technical and commercial standards.

Let me now show you all NPFL teams that meet that standard and their States.

See Also: 5 Football Clubs With The Highest Fans In Nigeria

List Of Nigeria Premier League Teams

Kano Pillars F.C.

Number one on my list of teams in the NPFL is the Kano-based club, founded in 1990 and is one of the best teams in Nigeria’s premier league. The Sai Masu Gida play their home games at the 16,000-capacity Sani Abacha Stadium. Former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow star, Ahmed Musa is one of Kano Pillars’ notable players.

Enyimba F.C.

Next on the list of teams in the NPFL are Enyimba. Having won two African Champions League titles, eight Nigerian championships and four Federation Cups, the Aba-based club is undoubtedly the most successful football club in Nigeria. The Peoples’ Elephant, founded in 1976, uses the Enyimba International Stadium for their home matches. Finidi George currently heads the coaching crew.

Plateau United F.C.

Formerly known as JIB Strikers FC, the Jos-based club which was formed in 1975, produced the likes of Celestine Babayaro and Mikel John Obi. Their 44,000-capacity New Jos Stadium remains their home ground.

Rivers United F.C.

The Port Harcourt-based club came into being from the merger of Sharks F.C. and Dolphins F.C. in 2016, thus Rivers United’s crest contains both a shark and a dolphin. Liberation Stadium, now known as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, is where they welcome their opponents in the league.

Gombe United F.C.

Abubakar Umar Memorial Stadium used to be their home stadium until 2010 when they moved to the new 20,000-capacity Pantami Stadium. The club’s nickname is Savannah scorpions. See the nicknames of other Nigeria premier league teams.

Akwa United F.C.

The Uyo-based football club was established in 1996 and was called Ibom Stars Football Club then. The Promise Keepers hosted matches at the old Uyo Township Stadium before moving to the magnificent 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium built by former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Wikki Tourists F.C.

Based in Bauchi, the Giant Elephant was formed in 1991, with the 25,000-capacity Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa Stadium being their home ground. Hon. Balarabe Yusuf is the club Chairman while their Manager is Usman Abd’Allah.

Remo Stars F.C.

The Ikenne-based football club in Ogun State was formed in 2010 and started out as FC DENDER of Lagos. It was when they relocated to their current base of REMOLAND that the club’s name was changed to REMO STARS FOOTBALL CLUB. The Sky Blue Stars host their visitors at their 20,000-capacity Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Lobi Stars F.C.

Mosquito football club, Lobi Bank Football Club, Benue Breweries Limited (BBL) Hawks Football club, and Hawks are all the former names the Makurdi-based club used to be known as since it was formed by the late Bishop A.A. Usuh of the catholic diocese of Makurdi in 1981.

Rangers International F.C.

After Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars, the other of the three oldest clubs in Nigeria is Enugu Rangers which was founded in 1970. Since its formation, the Flying Antelopes are the only team that has never experienced relegation from the Nigeria Premier League.

Dakkada F.C.

The Uyo-based club, which was formerly known as Akwa Starlets Football Club, was formed in 2004 and shares the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with Awkwa Utd when they host their visitors. They first played in the Nigerian National Amateur League 1 before gradually gaining promotions all the way to Nigerian Professional Football League.

MFM F.C.

A Pentecostal Christian Organization known as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries owns the Lagos-based football club. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club was handed to the church to manage by the founder of Bolowotan FC, Toyin Gafaar. The Olukoya Boys make use of the Agege Stadium when they play their home games.

Kwara United F.C.

Between 1974–85 when the Ilorin-based club started, it was called Kwara Water Corporation football club. And from 1985 to 90, it changed to Kwara Utility Bombers of Ilorin, and then to Kwara Bombers Football Club of Ilorin between 1990–97. But from 1997 to date, the Afonja Warriors have been called Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin.

Katsina United F.C.

Founded in 1994, the Changi Boys suffered relegation in 2001 and were renamed “Spotlights FC” in 2009. But by 2016, the club reverted to their original name, Katsina United, having gotten back to the NPFL after 15 years of relegation.

Niger Tornadoes F.C.

The Minna-based club was founded in 1977. The Bako Kontagora Stadium serves as where the Ikon Allah hosts their home games. They used the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja at times too.

Sunshine Stars F.C.

Formed in 1995, the Akure-based football club are being funded and sponsored by the Ondo State Government. The ‘Owena Waves’ or Akure Gunners – as they are fondly called – use the Akure Township Stadium to host their opponents in the NPFL.

Heartland FC Owerri

The club started off as Spartans F.C. when they were founded in 1976. Later, they came to be known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale between 1985 to 2006 after chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu took over the club from the Imo State Government. Their current name, Heartland FC, came about when the State Government re-acquired the club. The club’s nicknames include Soccer Scientists, Spartans, Naze Millionaires, and The Hearts.

Nasarawa United F.C.

Nicknamed Solid Miners, and founded in 2003, Nasarawa United Football Club host their home games in its 10,000-capacity Lafia Township Stadium. Former Super Eagles star, Daniel Amokachi was one of the club’s former coaches.

Abia Warriors F.C.

The Umuahia-based club used to play as “Orji Uzor Kalu FC” between 2005 and 2010 in honor of the State governor but reverted to its old name, Abia Warriors Football Club, in 2010. Umuahia Township Stadium is where it hosts its home games.

Kaduna United F.C.

Founded in 2000, Kaduna United Football Club is run by the State government. The home stadium for the Crocodiles is the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Crown F.C.

The Ogbomosho-based club was formed in 1994 by Rev. Prof. Yusuf Ameh Obaje. The Ajilete Boys play their games at the 12,000-capacity Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Zamfara United F.C.

Sardauna Memorial Stadium (5,000 capacity) in Gusau is where Zamfara United Football Club host their NPFL home games.

Taraba F.C.

Before 2007, Taraba United Football Club used to be based in Abuja and bore the name SEC (Securities & Exchange Commission) Football Club. Jalingo City Stadium hosts their home games.

El-Kanemi Warriors F.C.

The Maiduguri-based club, due to the Boko Haram insurgency, had to shuttle between Kano and Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina for their home games that normally took place at the El-Kanemi sports complex.

Adamawa United F.C.

Adamawa United Football Club makes use of the Ribadu Square Stadium in Yola when they host opponents in the NPFL. The club was recently relegated in the 2020–21 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Shooting Stars S.C.

3SC was one of the clubs that founded the Nigerian Premier League in 1972. At that time they were called WNDC Ibadan (Western Nigeria Development Company) before later changing their name to IICC (Industrial Investment and Credit Corporation) Shooting Stars of Ibadan. Segun Odegbami, Duke Udi, Junior Ajayi, Abiodun Baruwa, Mutiu Adepoju, Mudashiru Lawal, Ajibade Babalade, Felix Owolabi, Rashidi Yekini, are some of the notable Oluyole Warriors.

Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.

Badaru Boys hosts their visitors at the 15,000-capacity Hadejia Stadium. Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club at a point in time had to play their home games in Zaria, Kaduna State because of interference from Kano officials.

Bendel Insurance F.C.

Insurance of Benin Football Club is the third of the founding members of the Nigerian Premier League in 1972 when the Benin Arsenal was founded. Bendel Insurance, who were originally known as the Vipers of Benin, play their home games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Warri Wolves F.C.

Formerly called NPA FC and run by the Nigeria Port Authority, the Warri-based club had to move to Lagos after promotion to the Nigerian Premier League in 2003. However, the Seasiders are now back in Warri City and play all their matches at the Warri Township Stadium.

Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.

Originally known as the Iyayi Football Club of Benin City before Chief Gabriel Chukwuma bought it and renamed it Gabros International Football Club. The “NPFL Galacticos” acquisition did not end there as Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah bought “Anambra Warriors” and named it FC Ifeanyi Ubah. It is now one of the privately run football clubs in Nigeria.

Yobe Desert Stars F.C.

The Damaturu-based football club was founded in 1991 and have its home ground at the 2,000-capacity Potiskum Stadium. The Desert Stars is owned by Yobe State Government.

Bayelsa United F.C.

Founded in 2,000, Bayelsa United Football Club play their home games at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovum in Yenagoa. Torrential rains sometimes make the 5,000-capacity pitch unplayable.

Dolphin F.C.

The club was founded as Eagle Cement FC in 1988 but now Dolphin Football Club has been dissolved by the merger that took place on 19 February 2016 with Sharks F.C to form Rivers United F.C.

Delta Force F.C.

It’s at the Jay Jay Okocha Stadium in Ogwashi-Uku, that the Delta Ambassadors host visiting teams in the NPFL. Former Super forward Emmanuel Emenike is one of Delta Force Football Club’s former players. The Asaba-based club was formed in 2001.

Ocean Boys F.C.

The Brass-based football club was founded in 2002 by the chairman of Brass Local Government, Sylva Nathaniel Ngo. They were disqualified from the Premier League and relegated in 2012 but were admitted into the National League and changed their name to Divine Warriors F.C. However, due to finances the team has now gone on hiatus.

Sharks F.C.

Founded in 1972, The Blue Angels are a Port Harcourt-based club. They suffered relegation in 2016, thus, the Rivers State government had to merge them with their rivals Dolphins F.C. to create Rivers United F.C.

Nembe City F.C.

Last on the list of teams in the NPFL is the Bayelsa-based club, which were promoted to the Nigeria Premier League by winning their division with a game to go, becoming the first Nigerian club, since Gabros International in 1998, to be promoted to the top flight in their first year.

Note that not all the clubs on the list of teams in the NPFL play in the league every season. These Nigeria Premier league clubs either end up in the NPFL, the Nigeria National League (NNL) or in Nigeria Division 1, depending on their performances season on season.

The total number of teams that can feature in the Nigeria Premier League each season is 20.

Here are the slogans and nicknames of each club in the Nigeria Premier League.

Below are the NPFL teams in the current season’s campaign, their positions on the table, as well as the points garnered.

Nigeria Professional Football League Clubs – NPFL 21/22

1.  Rivers United FC (67 Pts)

2.  Plateau United FC (60 Pts)

3.  Enugu Rangers IFC (51 Pts)

4.  Remo Stars FC (50 Pts)

5.  Kwara United FC (49 Pts)

6.  Enyimba Aba (48 Pts)

7.  Sunshine Stars (45 Pts)

8.  Akwa United (45 Pts)

9.  Gombe United FC (44 Pts)

10. Wikki Tourists (44 Pts)

11. Kano Pillars (41 Pts)

12. Nasarawa United (41 Pts)

13. Abia Warriors FC (39 Pts)

14. Shooting Stars Sports Club (39 Pts)

15. Katsina United FC (39 Pts)

16. Niger Tornadoes (39 Pts)

17. Lobi Stars FC (37 Pts)

18. FC Heartland (37 Pts)

19. Dakkada FC (36 Pts)

20. MFM FC (33 Pts)

Of course, the last four teams are always placed on the relegation list, the third team on the table will play in CAF Confederation Cup, while the first two teams always feature in CAF Champions League. That will be all on the list of teams in the NPFL.

This article was updated 7 months ago