Following a raft of requests for fixtures rescheduling by some clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Interim Management Committee (IMC) has frozen further approvals indefinitely.
In a circular by the Head of Operations, Davidson Owumi cited a directive from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which frowned at the deluge of requests seen as threatening the integrity of the NPFL.
“Consequent upon the directive of the NFF, there would be no more rescheduling of matches either for political or logistics reasons. The fixtures has to be strictly adhered to”, the circular informed the clubs.
It explained that the directive is in response to a chaotic demand for fixture changes that if not checked could undermine the values of the league.
Clubs have therefore been advised to do their utmost to meet up with their upcoming fixtures.
MatchDay 3 of the NPFL were concluded on Sunday with two other fixtures in Ikenne and Port Harcourt coming up on Tuesday. Defending champions Rivers United host Niger Tornadoes at the Adokiye Amiesimaka in Port Harcourt on Tuesday in Group B, while a southwest derby at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo feature Remo Stars and Shooting Stars the next day in Group A.
Remo Stars will be aiming to have a perfect result like Group A leaders Bendel Insurance having won their first two matches of the season against El-Kanemi Warriors (2-0 at home) and Gombe United (1-0 away).
Shooting Stars squandered a 3-1 advantage to end their opening match of the season against Plateau United 3-3 in Jos and then played goalless with Kwara United in Ibadan in their next game.
Tornadoes will also go on top of the Group B table if they avoid defeat to Rivers United. Going into Tuesday’s game with the same number points as leaders Abia United, who have however played a match more. Tornadoes beat hosts Wikki Tourists 2-0 at their adopted home in Jos on Matchday 1, and pipped Doma United 1-0 in Kaduna, which is where they have made their home.
Rivers United are fourth on the log after picking four points from their first two matches – 2-1 at home to Lobi Stars and 1-1 away to Sunshine Stars.
