This article has the complete list of NPFL champions and Nigerian Premier League winners, detailing yearly winners, runners-up, team honours, title statistics, and top league champions, including Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and Lobi Stars. I covered NPFL winners from 2020–2025 and all-time most title holders.
List of NPFL title winners
The NPFL began in 1972 as Nigeria’s top-flight football competition. Below is the full list of season champions from inception through the most recently completed campaign.
It all kicked off in 1972 when Mighty Jets took the first-ever NPFL title, and a year later, Bendel Insurance followed up with their first win. Rangers International quickly became a name to remember, taking it in 1974 and again in 1975. Shooting Stars popped up next with the 1976 title, then Rangers were back on top in 1977.
Racca Rovers claimed the crown in 1978, and Bendel Insurance had another go in 1979. Shooting Stars had the edge in 1980, and Rangers ran the show through much of the early ’80s with wins in 1981, 1982 and 1984 while Shooting Stars slotted another title in 1983.
New Nigeria Bank and Leventis United both had their moment in the mid‑80s before Iwuanyanwu Nationale began their strong run with wins from 1987 through 1990. Julius Berger took 1991, Stationery Stores got 1992, and then Iwuanyanwu Nationale grabbed one more in 1993.
BCC Lions, Shooting Stars again, Udoji United, Dolphins and Shooting Stars in 1998 rounded out the ’90s.
1972 – Mighty Jets
1973 – Bendel Insurance
1974 – Rangers International
1975 – Rangers International
1976 – Shooting Stars
1977 – Rangers International
1978 – Racca Rovers
1979 – Bendel Insurance
1980 – Shooting Stars
1981 – Rangers International
1982 – Rangers International
1983 – Shooting Stars
1984 – Rangers International
1985 – New Nigeria Bank
1986 – Leventis United
1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1990 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1991 – Julius Berger
1992 – Stationery Stores
1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1994 – BCC Lions
1995 – Shooting Stars
1996 – Udoji United
1997 – Dolphins
1998 – Shooting Stars
1999 – Lobi Stars
NPFL winners 2000s:
The new millennium saw Julius Berger win in 2000 before Enyimba started what would become the most successful stretch in league history with their first NPFL title in 2001.
They stayed strong, winning again in 2002 and 2003. Dolphins interrupted in 2004, but Enyimba bounced back with more titles in 2005 and 2007.
Ocean Boys took their chance in 2006, and Kano Pillars grabbed 2008. Bayelsa United managed 2009, and Enyimba added 2010 to their growing collection.
2000 – Julius Berger
2001 – Enyimba
2002 – Enyimba
2003 – Enyimba
2004 – Dolphins
2005 – Enyimba
2006 – Ocean Boys
2007 – Enyimba
2008 – Kano Pillars
2009 – Bayelsa United
2010 – Enyimba
2010s NPFL winners
In 2011, it was Dolphins again, then Kano Pillars really stamped their authority with three straight NPFL titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Enyimba responded in 2015. Rangers International re‑emerged with the title in 2016, while Plateau United claimed 2017.
The 2018 season was cancelled, so no winner that year, and in 2019, Enyimba were NPFL champions again. 2019–20 was another cancelled campaign because of COVID‑19.
In 2021, Akwa United won their first-ever NPFL title, and in 2022, Rivers United lifted theirs for the first time too. Enyimba got yet another crown in 2022–23, and Rangers International clinched the 2023–24 season before Remo Stars made history in 2024–25 with their first title ever.
2011 – Dolphin
2012 – Kano Pillars
2013 – Kano Pillars
2014 – Kano Pillars
2015 – Enyimba
2016 – Rangers International
2017 – Plateau United
2018 – Cancelled
2019 – Enyimba
2019–20 – Cancelled (COVID‑19)
2020–21 – Akwa United
2021–22 – Rivers United
2022–23 – Enyimba
2023–24 – Rangers International
2024–25 – Remo Stars (1st title)
Clubs with the most NPFL titles
A handful of teams have shaped the history of the Nigerian top flight through consistent title wins and standout eras. Which team has the most NPFL titles?
Enyimba FC lead the way with nine league titles, building real dominance in the 2000s and 2010s. Rangers International follow closely with eight, staying competitive across generations. Shooting Stars secured five titles, mostly during their strong run in the 1970s and 1980s, while Heartland FC, formerly Iwuanyanwu Nationale, also have five, largely from the late 1980s and 1990s.
Kano Pillars claimed four titles, with a particularly dominant spell in the early 2010s. Rivers United have four recognised league crowns as well, including honours linked to Dolphin FC and merged club histories.
Other clubs with a single league title to their name include Akwa United, Bayelsa United, BCC Lions, Leventis United, Lobi Stars, Mighty Jets, New Nigeria Bank, Ocean Boys, Plateau United, Racca Rovers, Stationery Stores and Udoji United.
Finally on NPFL winners…
Winning the Nigeria Premier Football League is a huge deal for a club. The champions secure a direct spot in the CAF Champions League, Africa’s elite club tournament. That gets the team noticed all over the continent.
It also helps off the pitch, as Commercial benefits quickly follow. Winning makes the club more popular with fans and the media, which brings in sponsors and more money. The team’s name gets bigger and more respected, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.
For players, it makes a club more attractive. Good players want to join teams that win, and it’s easier to retain key squad members because the club is doing well.
There’s a national dimension too, as it earns respect nationwide. Fans are proud, and players might even get called up to the national team. Winning the league doesn’t just deliver a trophy; it changes everything for a club, on the field and off.