Enyimba will begin the defense of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title against Bendel Insurance in Aba on September 9.
The People’s Elephant secured their record-extending ninth league title after finishing above Remo Stars via goal difference during the playoffs of the abridged format last season. Insurance also reached the playoffs but finished bottom of the six-team log. They were however victorious in the Federation Cup by seeing off Enugu Rangers.
The league will now go back to its regular 20-team format and will commence on September 9 as announced by the newly-formed ruling body, Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Limited that succeeded the Interim Management Committee (IMC).
Enyimba crashed out of the CAF Champions League at the weekend after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi in the first qualifying round. Insurance meanwhile defeated Algerian side ASO Chlef on penalties in the first qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup after drawing 1-1 on aggregate.
Another blockbuster fixture will be Remo Stars hosting Rivers United in Ikenne. The Sky Blues used goal difference to deny the Pride of Rivers a spot in the CAF Champions League during last season’s playoffs and will want to start the new campaign on a high, particularly after failing to progress in their maiden Champions League outing by losing on penalties to Ghana’s Medeama.
There you have it!???? Games to be brought to you live via our streaming platforms.⏳#NPFLLive#NPFL24 https://t.co/PpKq71yLcc pic.twitter.com/5C7vjDjwsi
— NPFLLive (@NPFL_Live) August 29, 2023
Newly-promoted Sporting Lagos will be one of the teams to look out for on the opening day as well as they host Combe United. Shooting Stars will host 2017 champions Plateau United in Ibadan while it will be a South-South derby between Bayelsa United and Akwa United as well as a northern derby between Katsina United and Kwara United.
Four-time champions Kano Pillars, who regained promotion from the Nigeria National League after relegation last year, will be on the road to tackle Sunshine Stars in Akure.
Matchday 1 fixtures
Sporting Lagos v Gombe United
Bayelsa United v Akwa United
Shooting Stars v Plateau United
Abia Warriors v Niger Tornadoes
Enyimba Int’l v Bendel Insurance
Rivers United v Remo Stars
Katsina United v Kwara United
Sunshine Stars v Kano Pillars
Heartland FC v Lobi Stars
Rangers Int’l v Doma United
