In a surprising turn of events, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced the postponement of the eagerly anticipated 2023/24 season kickoff, MySportDab reports.
originally slated for Saturday, September 9. The decision to delay the commencement of the league was attributed to the need for key members to focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), scheduled to be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The NPFL’s Board made this pivotal decision in response to representations from various stakeholders and, notably, due to the complex logistics involved in ensuring the attendance of the league’s Chairman and Clubs’ leadership at the AGM, which clashed with the original kickoff date.
Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NPFL, conveyed this message, emphasizing the importance of accommodating the needs and concerns of multiple parties involved in the league’s operations.
He stated, We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday, but following representations from multiple stakeholders and, more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo.
This unforeseen change in plans has been communicated to all the participating clubs, ensuring they halt any travel arrangements already in place. Consequently, there will be no flag-off game on the initially scheduled date of September 9.
The NPFL COO has reassured football enthusiasts that a new kickoff date will be announced in the coming days, allowing fans, players, and clubs alike to adjust their preparations accordingly.
Defending champions, Enyimba of Aba, were originally set to kickstart their pursuit of another NPFL title with a home game against Bendel Insurance, the Federation Cup champions, on September 9.
This delay marks the second time the 2023/24 NPFL season has been postponed, having previously been rescheduled from August 26 to September 9.
Football aficionados across Nigeria will now eagerly await the revised schedule, as the NPFL readies itself for another thrilling season of top-tier football action.
