Former champions Akwa United Fc of Uyo will trade tackle newcomers Bendel Insurance in the star match of the opening fixtures of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League abridged league will get underway on January 8 across the nation.
In the draws conducted in Abuja by the league organisers, the Interim Management Committee (IMC), the 20 teams were pitched into two groups.
In Group A, Kwara United will tango Gombe United. Remo Stars will confront newcomers Elkanemi Warriors at home while former champions Enyimba International will be guest of Nasarawa United.
In Jos, Plateau United will welcome Oluyole Warriors in another interesting encounter.
In Group B, it will be oriental derby as Rangers International goes for Abia Warriors jugular. defending champions Rivers United and Lobi Stars will face off in Port Harcourt. Doma United and Sunshine will trade tackles in Gombe while Bayelsa United will face Dakkada in the last match of the group.
IMC chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, warned the clubs to desists from every act of hooliganism that can bring disrepute to the game.
According to him, “three points will be deducted as punishment”
“Clubs have been informed to shun every act of violence during the course of the league.
“Any club which engage in violent conducts will not be sanctioned with N500,000.00 as was the case in the past, but three points will be deducted as punishment.
“We know what it means to have three points deducted from points already earned by a club in the league,” Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye said.
He promised that all the match officials indemnities will be pay as at when due.
“For almost three years, LMC are owning referees up to N500m. But I can assured that all the match officials indemnity are ready. They will get their alerts before going for matches,” he said.
First match fixtures
Group A
Akwa vs Insurance
Kwara United vs Gombe
Remo Stars vs Elkanemi
Plateau United vs 3SC
Nasarawa vs Enyimba
Group B
Rangers vs Abia Warriors
Bayelsa vs Dakkada
Wikki vs N/Tornadoes
Doma vs Sunshine
