Enyimba to start Nigeria Premier Football League title defense against Bendel Insurance 

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba FC will start their title challenge for the 2023/2024 season with a home clash against 2023 Federations Cup winners, Bendel Insurance.

The league conducted the draw for the 2023/2024 season in Abuja on Monday ahead of the kick-off date.

The clash will be held at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba in a clash between the league champions and Nigeria FA Cup winners on September 9, 2023.

The reverse fixture last season ended in a 1-1 draw in Aba.

In other opening day fixtures, 2021/2022 champions, Rivers United will host last season’s runners-up, Remo Stars in Port Harcourt.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan will welcome Plateau United in Ibadan.

2020/2021 league winners, Akwa United will visit Yenegoa to face Bayelsa United.

Returning from the second tier, Nigeria National League (NNL), former league champions, Kano Pillars are expected to trade tackles with Sunshine Stars of Akure.

The 2023/2024 NPFL season will be a straight league where the 20 teams play 38 games in a bid to become league winners and jostle for continental qualification.

Enyimba FC and Remo Stars last weekend crashed out of the CAF Champions League after defeats to Al Ahli Benghazi and Medeama SC respectively.

Rivers United and Bendel Insurance remained Nigeria’s sole representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup this season.

Matchday 1 NPFL

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 FC vs Lobi Stars

Sporting Lagos Vs Gombe United

Rangers United Vs Doma United