2023/24 NPFL kicks off with Enyimba versus Bendel Insurance ( Full fixture)

The 2023/2024 campaign season of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will kickoff on September 9 with Enyimba of Aba taking on Bendel Insurance at home.

The mouth-watering encounter which will see the Enyimba, the 2022/2023 league champions square off against Bendel Insurance, the Federation Cup champions was top of the schedules for match day one unveiled at a colourful draw held in Abuja on Tuesday.

With the return to the full league format, 20 clubs will now battle for the title in 380 explosive matches, unlike the abridged 2022-23 season.

Other fixtures for the match day one are Shooting Stars of Ibadan against Plateau United, while Akwa United lock horns with Bayelsa United.

Niger Tornadoes will face Abia Warriors, Remo Stars and Rivers United, newly promoted Katsina United vs Kwara United and returning Kano Pillars against Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Elegbeleye told newsmen after the draws that the board is working round the clock to ensure a better and more professional league.

He said plans had been to 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.

“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.

The chairman said the League board was also working to improve officiating and prize money for the league, which was 100 million naira in the 2002-23 season.

1.Enyimba intl of Aba vs Bendel Insurance

2. Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United

3. Bayelsa United vs Akwa United

4. Shooting Stars vs Plateau United

5 Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes

6. Rivers United vs Remo Stars

8. Sunshine Stars vs Kano Pillars

9. Heartland FC vs Lobi Stars

10. Rangers United (Enugu) vs Doma United (Gombe). (NAN)(nannews.ng)

MUYI/SH