The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced a change in its 2025/2026 season opening fixture, replacing the earlier scheduled Lobi Stars vs City FC of Abuja match with a new pairing between Basira FC of Lafia and Mighty Jets of Jos.
The adjustment follows the league’s inspection of the McCarthy Stadium in Makurdi, which was deemed unsuitable for hosting the opening game due to unsatisfactory facility conditions.
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The highly anticipated encounter between Basira FC and Mighty Jets will now take place at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM. The fixture, part of Conference C, promises a thrilling contest as both North Central sides look to begin the season on a high.
The NNL, often described as “Nigeria’s Most Important League,” will officially commence with this match, while other Matchday One fixtures are scheduled to hold across the country from November 16, 2025. A total of 382 matches are expected to be played throughout the season.
In addition to bragging rights, the winner of the opening match will receive the betPawa Locker Room Winning Bonus of ₦56,000, adding extra motivation for both sides.
Basira FC, led by experienced coach Aminu Musa, will aim to make a strong statement in front of their home fans, while Ere Dokubo’s Mighty Jets will be eager to spoil the party and stake an early claim for the sole promotion ticket from Conference C.
Football enthusiasts across the region are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season opener, with a large turnout expected at the Lafia City Stadium to cheer on their beloved teams







