2019/20 NPFL season kicks off today nationwide
The 2019-20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season begins today after five months of inaction with eight out of the ten fixtures across the stadiums in Nigeria.
The league which is expected to run till May 2020 has been reverted to the original format of 20 clubs from the abridged version of last season.
Match Day One expectedly will see teams battling to secure maximum points to kick start their campaign on a winning note.
It will be an interesting battle between Plateau United and Lobi Stars at the New Jos Stadium, Jos.
Lobi, who topped in 2018 will look to shock
Plateau at the 44,000 capacity Jos Stadium with their returnee veterans.
David Tyavkase, Sibi Gwar, Sunday Akleche are in the mix while some debuts are expected from exciting youngster Abdulkadir Mumini and the experienced Reuben Ogbonnaya.
In Dutse, the battle will be between Wikki Tourists who are returning to the top flight after a six-year absence and Jigawa Stars, another long time absentee from the top league.
Kano Pillars will host Rivers United and this game is the star game for the day. Both teams are entertaining and have huge followership.
While Pillars have retained the bulk of their team, they have also added Joshua Enaholo (who is expected to start) Bright Silas, Kester Kelly and Abba Umar to their squad.
Rivers have added 16 new players to their squad with former Super Eagles defender Azubuike Egwuekwe the main attraction.
In Delta, Warri Wolves are back in the top flight since 2016 and will welcome a flamboyant Akwa United who said they are aiming for the NPFL title.
It will be a baptism of sorts for John Obuh and Duke Udi as they make their maiden bow on the Akwa bench.
In Imo, Heartland FC coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu will welcome his old club, MFM who are starting life under new gaffer Tony Bolus.
Illechukwu spent eight seasons with the church team and should know the inner workings of his opponent.
In Anambra, FC IfeanyiUbah will welcome newly promoted Adamawa United. The
Nnewi side has lost a lot of players this season but have recruited budding talents from around their neck of woods.
Delta Force will host Dakkada formerly known as Akwa Starlets as both teams will want to start life in the top flight on a winning note.
It will be another interesting tie between two ball-playing sides, Abia Warriors and Katsina United at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The home side has Henry Makinwa at the helm of affairs having lost Abdullahi Biffo to Kwara United.
However, the game between Rangers and Sunshine Stars won’t hold because the Enugu side will play their second leg CAF Confederations Cup tie same weekend ditto the Enyimba versus Nasarawa United game.