The 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has been fixed to begin on November 3 with defending champions Enyimba starting out against Nasarawa United.
The new date for the NPFL kickoff was announced Monday night as the draw for the season was held concurrently in Abuja.
The draw was supervised by the League Management Company Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salihu Abubakar.
According to the LMC, the league will revert to its original format of the 20 teams represented in a single NPFL log.
Due to late kickoff, an abridged version was adopted last season that culminated in a Super Six tourney to produce the champion.
Aside from the Enyimba and Nasarawa United tie, some of the interesting pairings on the opening day include a clash between two former champions, Plateau United and Lobi Stars.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will also be leading Heartland against his former team, MFM, as the Olukoya Boys travel to Okigwe to face the Naze Millionaires.
Illechukwu served MFM for 13 years before opting to join the Naze Millionaires earlier this year.
Elsewhere, newly-promoted sides Jigawa Golden Stars, Warri Wolves, Adamawa United, and Akwa Starlets will be facing Wikki Tourist, Akwa United, Ifeanyi Uba and Delta Force respectively.
The 2019/20 NPFL season is expected to end on May 30, 2020.
MATCHDAY 1 Fixtures:
Wikki Tourist vs Jigawa Golden Stars
Plateau United vs Lobi Stars
Delta Force vs Akwa Starlets
Kano Pillars vs Rivers United
Heartland vs MFM
Ifeanyi Ubah vs Adamawa United
Enugu Rangers vs Sunshine Stars
Warri Wolves vs Akwa United
Abia Warriors vs Kastina United
Enyimba vs Nasarawa United
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