Enyimba will open their defence of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a home game against Federation Cup title holders Bendel Insurance as the 2023/24 season opens on 9th September.
This is one of the highlights of the draw made in Abuja on Tuesday, which also saw last season’s runners-up Remo Stars clashing with CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Rivers United in Port Harcourt.
While Enyimba and Remo Stars disappointed Nigerian fans by crashing out of the CAF Champions League at the first round last weekend, Bendel Insurance progressed to the second round of the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup, while Rivers United got a bye into the second round of the same competition.
Promoted Sporting Lagos begin a new life at the top flight in Lagos against Gombe United. Heartland and Katsina United – both returning to the NPFL – have home matches. The Naze Millionaires will play Lobi Stars in Owerri, while Katsina United host Kwara United.
One of the exciting features of the new season, according to the organisers, is live broadcast streaming of matches. NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye said last week: “In the coming days, we will share the good news coming from this commercial initiative”.