Latest News
NPFL 23: IMC orders five clubs to play home games on neutral grounds
By Wale Mustapha
The Interim Management Committee, IMC has announced the approved venues for the upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season with five notable clubs forced to play home games away from their fans.
The development was decided on Thursday following the draws for the 2022/23 season along with Matchday One released fixtures following Wednesday draw ahead of the January 8, 2023 kick off date.
Head of Operations of the Committee, Davidson Owumi disclosed that in strict adherence to the provisions of the NPFL Club Licensing Regulation, clubs that fail requirements will be held accountable.
“We want to get it right from the start and this can only be achieved when the rules are followed”, he insisted.
Rangers International of Enugu, Kwara United of Ilorin, Niger Tornadoes of Minna, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Nasarawa United of Lafia are the clubs that failed to provide up-to-standard stadium facilities to host matches based on requirements of the Club Licensing.
According the fixtures released by the IMC, Nasarawa United host Enyimba on Matchday One at the New Jos Township Stadium while Kwara United welcome Gombe United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, in Group A.
Other Group A fixtures will see Akwa United hosting Bendel Insurance at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Plateau United vs Shooting Stars at the Jos Township Stadium and Remo Stars vs El- Kanemi Warriors at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
In Group B, Rangers International will play Abia Warriors at the Awka City Stadium and not their traditional Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The rest fixtures are Bayelsa United vs Dakkada at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa, Wikki Tourists vs Niger Tornadoes at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Doma vs Sunshine Stars at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe and Cup holders, Rivers United vs Lobi Stars at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The IMC Chairman, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye had announced that the winner of the Abridged League format will receive ₦100m with each of the 20 participating clubs receiving ₦10m take off grant.