FOOTBALL: NPFL to kickstart with mouthwatering draws
Emmanuel Alfred
The draws for the 2023/2024 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which will kickoff on September 9 was done yesterday in Abuja.
The draws already saw mouthwatering fixtures for week one with the defending champions Enyimba FC of Aba taking on Bendel Insurance at home.
The colourful event had the Chairman, Nigeria Premier League Board Gbenga Elegbeleye and other Stakeholders in Nigerian football community in attendance.
The League will return to its original format of the 20 clubs battling for the title in 380 explosive matches as opposed to the abridged 2022-23 season.
Other fixtures for the match day one are Shooting Stars of Ibadan up against Plateau United, while Akwa United entertain with Bayelsa United.
Niger Tornadoes will face Abia Warriors, Remo Stars will lock horns against former champions Rivers United; newly promoted Katsina United will slug it out against Kwara United and returning Kano Pillars against Sunshine Stars of Akure.
Lobi Stars will square up against Heartland FC of Owerri, newly promoted Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United and Enugu Rangers against Doma United of Gombe.
Elegbeleye informed journalists that the Board is working tirelessly to ensure a better and more professional league.
He added that plans have been concluded to have most of the games streamed live, in partnership with Propel Sports Africa/MTN, so that Nigerians home and abroad can enjoy the League.
He said: “We have an agreement already with Propel Sports Africa to stream at least eight of the 10 matches live.
“So you can watch almost all of the matches with your phones and smart devices in over 100 countries in the world, this will enable Nigerians in diaspora also watch the NPFL every match day,” he said.
Elegbeleye explained that the MoU with the Propel Sports Africa and MTN, will enable Nigerians watch the matches live with a token subscription.”
