On Tuesday in Abuja, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) unveiled its matchday one schedule for the forthcoming 2023–2024 campaign season.
The season is set to begin on September 9, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Fixtures for the upcoming season were drawn at a colorful event in Abuja, which was attended by football officials, including Gbenga Elegbeleye, chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Board.
Enyimba of Aba, the NPFL champions, will begin the title defense of their championship with a tantalizing home match against Bendel Insurance, the Federation Cup victors.
While Akwa United and Bayelsa United square off, Shooting Stars of Ibadan take on Plateau United.
The Niger Tornadoes will compete against the Abia Warriors, Remo Stars, and Rivers United, while returning Kano Pillars will take on the Sunshine Stars of Akure. Katsina United, who were just promoted, will play Kwara United.
Newly promoted Sporting Lagos will play Gombe United, while Lobi Stars and Enugu Rangers will face off against Heartland FC of Owerri, Gombe United and Doma United, respectively.
Following the drawings, Gbenga Elegbeleye, the chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Board, told reporters that the board is working nonstop to create a better and more professional league.
He claimed that arrangements had been made to stream the majority of the matches live in association with Propel Sports Africa and MTN so that Nigerians both at home and abroad could watch the league.
“We already have a contract with Propel Sports Africa that states that at least eight of the 10 games would be streamed live.
This will allow Nigerians living abroad to watch NPFL matches every game day, he said. “You can watch practically all of the matches with your phones and smart devices in over 100 countries around the world,” he said.
According to Elegbeleye, the Contract between Propel Sports Africa and MTN will make it possible for Nigerians to watch the games live with a little subscription fee.
The league’s prize money, which was 100 million naira in the 2002–23 season, was also being improved, the chairman of the League Board stated.
In contrast to the shortened 2022–23 season, NAN states that with the return to the full league structure, 20 clubs will now compete for the championship in 380 thrilling matches.
2023–2024 NPFL matchups for the first day
Enyimba International of Aba versus Bendel Insurance
2. Gombe United vs. Sporting Lagos
3. Akwa United versus Bayelsa United
4. Plateau United vs. Shooting Stars
5 Niger Tornadoes vs. Abia Warriors
6. Remo Stars vs. Rivers United
7. Kwara United versus Katsina United
8. Kano Pillars vs. Sunshine Stars
9. Heartland FC vs Lobi Stars
10. Rangers United (Enugu) vs Doma United (Gombe).
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