NIGERIA: At the NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), the club owners unanimously agreed to maintain the full 38-match league format, rejecting proposals for an abridged season
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that the 2024/2025 season will commence on 31 August.
Defending champions Rangers International will begin their title defence at home against newly promoted El-Kanemi Warriors, the reigning champions of the President Federation Cup.
At the NPFL Annual General Meeting (AGM), the club owners unanimously agreed to maintain the full 38-match league format, rejecting proposals for an abridged season.
Aside from the high-profile clash in Enugu, the other matchday 1 matches will take place one week after (7 & 8 September)
The other matchday 1 fixtures include newly promoted Ikorodu City’s challenging trip to face Kano Pillars.
Rivers United, under the guidance of coach Finidi George, will face a stern test against Bendel Insurance in Benin City.
Akwa United, narrowly escaping relegation last season, hope for a positive start when they visit Lobi Stars.
Elsewhere, Remo Stars begin their campaign away to Abia Warriors, while Beyond Limits will host Enyimba International in Ikenne.
Meanwhile, the league organisers have increased the prize money for the 2024-25 season to N200m.
The winning prize for the last season was N150 million which was won by Rangers.
The chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, disclosed this at the Annual General Assembly of NPFL.
The new NPFL season is scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Rangers will take on El-Kanemi Warriors in the opening fixture of the new season.
The Flying Antelopes won their eighth NPFL title last season.
Matchday 1 Full Fixtures:
Abia Warriors vs Remo Stars
Beyond Limits vs Enyimba
Rangers vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Lobi Stars vs Akwa United
Kwara United vs Niger Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance vs Rivers United
Kano Pillars vs Ikorodu City FC
Sunshine Stars vs Bayelsa United
Nasarawa United vs Shooting Stars
Plateau United vs Katsina United
