• Akwa United begins title defence at home to Kano Pillars
The 2021/22 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) will kick off on December 17, 2021, the general assembly of the League Management Company (LMC) has said.
The LMC has also endorsed the appointment of Enugu Rangers’ General Manager, Davidson Owumi, as the league body’s general manager.
The decisions were taken at the LMC General Assembly’s meeting held at the body’s corporate headquarters at Maitama, Abuja, yesterday.
According to the executive secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association, Alloy Chukwuemeka, who spoke for the general assembly after the over five hours meeting, the new season “will start and end early enough in order to align the NPFL programme with the international football calendar.”
He said the 2021/22 season would introduce some innovations and robust competition amongst the participating clubs while confirming that the general assembly endorsed the appointment of Prince Davidson Owumi as the new chief executive officer of the LMC.
Chukwuemeka disclosed that the new LMC CEO, who was present at the meeting, has assured Nigerians that he would employ his wealth of experience to lift the fortunes of the league.
Earlier the LMC had announced that more sponsors and partners would be unveiled soon to boost the revenue streams of the league, aside NPFL television coverage of the league and other activations.
The Guardian gathered that matches in 10 centres across the country will herald the season with defending champions, Akwa United, hosting Kano Pillars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Elsewhere, Gombe United will host Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the Pantami Stadium in both teams’ first game on their return to the topflight.
Lobi Stars are pitted against Rivers United at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, just as the first oriental derby of the new season between Enyimba and state rivals, Abia Warriors, will hold in Aba.
Enugu Rangers will travel to Katsina to face Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes will welcome Plateau United at their temporary home ground in Kaduna, while Sunshine Stars will host Wikki Tourists at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure.
In Ilorin, Kwara United will host Dakkada, while MFM will be at home to Remo Stars at the Agege Stadium, just as Nasarawa United will travel to Owerri to face Heartland.
