August 30 (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Premier League (NPL), on Tuesday, released the match schedule for the upcoming 2023/2024 campaign season.
The new season is set to commence on September 9, according to the fixtures unveiled at a launch event held in Abuja. In attendance at the colourful fixture draw were football stakeholders, led by Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Board.
According to the fixtures list, reigning champions Enyimba will kick off their title defence at home against Federation Cup winners, Bendel Insurance, in one of the opening round highlights.
Other mouth-watering first-round matches include Shooting Stars against Plateau United, Akwa United versus Bayelsa United, and Niger Tornadoes taking on Abia Warriors. Newly promoted Katsina United will face Kwara United while returning giants Kano Pillars meet Sunshine Stars.
Speaking after the draw, Elegbeleye said the League Board was working tirelessly to deliver a more professional and entertaining league this season. He revealed plans to livestream most matches in partnership with Propel Sports Africa and MTN, enabling fans in Nigeria and worldwide to enjoy the action.
Elegbeleye added that improvements to officiating and prize money were also underway. After the abridged format of the 2022/2023 season, the NPL will revert to a full home-and-away format this season, with 20 clubs competing in 380 matches.
Matchday one fixtures will include:
Enyimba vs Bendel Insurance
Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United
Bayelsa United vs Akwa United
Shooting Stars vs Plateau United
Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes
Rivers United vs Remo Stars
Katsina United vs Kwara United
Sunshine Stars vs Kano Pillars
Heartland FC vs Lobi Stars
Rangers United vs Doma United
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
