George Finidi’s Enyimba have opening weekend free as NPFL get September kickoff date

The 2023/24 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season is set to finally get underway this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.

The NPFL board, in an official announcement to all 20 participating clubs, confirmed that the much-anticipated season will commence on September 30th. The winner of the league crown this season will claim a prize of N150 million.

Notably, each club is slated to receive a N20 million take-off grant as part of the preparations.

This kickoff date marks the culmination of a tumultuous period, as the 2023/24 NPFL season endured not one but two postponements. Initially scheduled to commence on August 26th, it was later pushed to September 9th.

Enyimba emerged as the champions of the 2022/23 season.

Their triumphant journey concluded with a victory in the Super Six tournament, which followed the regular championship.

The Enyimba’s victory further cemented the Aba Elephants’ status as the most successful club in NPFL history, boasting a remarkable nine league titles to their name.

However, as the NPFL gears up for kick-off, some matches will be placed on hold due to continental engagements.

Head coach Finidi George and Engimba will have the day off as their first-round opponents, Bendel Insurance, have a CAF Confederation Cup playoff to honour.

The match between Rivers United and Remo Stars will also be put on hold for the same reason.

Rivers United are set to host Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso in the second leg of their second-round clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance face an away trip to Morocco for their second-leg encounter against former champions RS Berkane.

MATCHDAY ONE FIXTURES

Bayelsa United vs. Akwa United
Shooting Stars vs. Plateau United
Abia Warriors vs. Niger Tornadoes
Enyimba Int’l vs. Bendel Insurance
Rivers United vs. Remo Stars
Katsina United vs. Kwara United
Sunshine Stars vs. Kano Pillars
Heartland vs. Lobi Stars
Sporting Lagos vs. Gombe United
Rangers United vs. Doma United