The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has unveiled its long-awaited schedule for matchday one of the upcoming 2023-2024 season, News About Nigeria reports.
Football enthusiasts can now look forward to an exciting season that kicks off on September 9th. The fixture announcement was made during a draw held in Abuja, with key football stakeholders, including Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League Board, in attendance.
Defending NPFL champions, Enyimba of Aba, will commence their title defense with a home clash against Bendel Insurance, the Federation Cup champions.
Other notable fixtures include Shooting Stars of Ibadan versus Plateau United, Akwa United taking on Bayelsa United, and Niger Tornadoes facing Abia Warriors.
The season also welcomes newly promoted teams like Katsina United and Sporting Lagos, who will compete against Kwara United and Gombe United, respectively.
Seasoned Kano Pillars return to face Sunshine Stars of Akure, while Lobi Stars square off against Heartland FC of Owerri. Enugu Rangers will confront Doma United of Gombe in another thrilling encounter.
During the draw, Elegbeleye expressed the board’s commitment to enhancing the league’s professionalism and viewership. He revealed that plans were underway to livestream most of the matches in partnership with Propel Sports Africa/MTN.
This initiative aims to make NPFL matches accessible to Nigerians both domestically and abroad, enabling fans to enjoy the league through their smartphones and smart devices.
He highlighted an agreement with Propel Sports Africa to livestream at least eight of the ten matches per matchday. The subscription-based streaming service will be accessible in over 100 countries worldwide, catering to Nigerians in the diaspora.
Furthermore, the League board is said to be dedicated to improving officiating and increasing prize money for the league. Notably, the prize money for the 2023-24 season is expected to surpass the previous season’s ₦100 million.
With the return to the full league format, 20 clubs will compete in 380 matches. Here’s the full list of the 2023-24 NPFL matchday one fixtures:
- Enyimba Intl of Aba 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 (Enugu) vs. Doma United (Gombe).
