Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has assured the clubs in the elite division that the IMC would be neutral but firm in enforcing the rules.
In his goodwill message to the 20 clubs in the elite league, Elegbeleye wished them and their players collective and individual success in the 2022/23 season.
“As the remaining games of MatchDay 1 holds this weekend after the successful flag-off last Sunday, I wish to congratulate all the clubs as they start the season.
“I wish the clubs success as a team and the players, a great outing individually and collectively “, Elegbeleye said in his message.
The season flagged off last Sunday with promoted Bendel Insurance beaten hosts Akwa United 2-0 in Uyo in Group A of the abridged league season.
Elegbeleye said that, “there will be a level playing field for every club as the IMC will not be favouring any club nor disadvantage any club”.
The IMC chairman urged match officials to uphold the rules of the game by ensuring fairness to all at all times.
“I am appealing to the match officials to keep to the promise they made to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and uphold the highest standards of officiating”, he said.
The IMC chairman charged the clubs to educate and sensitise their fans on the need to maintain good conduct at match venues, warning that “the IMC has zero tolerance for fans disturbance and would apply the full weight of the regulations on any default”.
Other Matchday 1 matches include Nasarawa United v Enyimba, Plateau United v Shooting Stars, Kwara United v Gombe United, Remo Stars v El-Kanemi Warriors.
Group B have Rangers v Abia Warriors, Bayelsa United v Dakkada, Wikki Tourists v Niger Tornadoes, Doma United v Sunshine Stars, Rivers v Lobi Stars.
Rivers United are the defending champions after winning the title for the first time last season, while Bendel United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Doma United are newly promoted.
