Sunday’s draw for the 2011/2012 Nigeria Premier League season has thrown up the star opening match between champions Dolphin and runners-up Sunshine Stars in Port Harcourt on Saturday, January 7.
Dolphin pipped Sunshine on the final day of last season by a point to emerge champions for the third time in their history.
They recorded 71 points from 38 matches in a season that was highlighted by a neck-to-neck tussle with Sunshine, who were gunning for their first-ever league championship.
Dolphin defeated Sunshine 1-0 in Port Harcourt but lost 3-2 in the reverse fixture in Ijebu-Ode.
The opening week of the new NPL season will also see another tantalising match-up between Enugu Rangers at home to Warri Wolves, who finished third this past season and will feature in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Rangers finished sixth and will be led by a new coach following the sensational resignation of experienced coach Alphonsus Dike recently.
NPL new boys Rising Stars of Akure will continue their rivalry with Akwa United when both teams again clash at the start of the new campaign.
Nine matches will be played on Sunday, January 8.
NPL Week 1 Fixtures
Saturday, January 7
Dolphin vs Sunshine Stars
Sunday, January 8
Rangers vs Warri Wolves
Kwara United vs Ocean Boys
Wikki Tourist vs Heartland
Enyimba vs Bukola Babes
Kano Pillars vs Niger Tornadoes
Kaduna Utd FC vs Jigawa Golden Stars
3SC vs Sharks
Rising Stars vs Akwa Utd
Gombe United vs Lobi Stars