Enyimba begins title defence against Bendel Insurance
Defending champions, Enyimba of Aba will begin their quest for another title in the 2023/24 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) with a home game against one of the country’s two remaining teams in the continent, Bendel Insurance, on September 9.
Bendel Insurance just returned from their heartwarming defeat of Algeria’s Aso Chlef in the CAF Confederation Cup and would be in top shape for the clash with Enyimba, which fell off the continent following a 3-4 aggregate loss to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi at the weekend.
The draws conducted in Abuja on Tuesday, after the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) board’s inaugural yearly general meeting, produced some interesting Week One clashes, including Rivers United’s home game against Remo Stars and the Owerri clash between Heartland and Lobi Stars.
Sunshine Stars will host Kano Pillars in Akure, Katsina United are against Kwara United, while Abia Warriors will entertain Niger Tornadoes in Umuahia.
Enugu Rangers are up against Doma United, Bayelsa United will host Akwa United, newcomers, Sporting Lagos will open their NPFL account against Gombe United, while old foes, Shooting Stars and Plateau United will clash in Ibadan.
Earlier in his welcome address, NPL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, told the participants at the meeting that the gathering was indicative of the board’s drive to make the NPFL competitive on the continent and commercially attractive to corporate Nigeria and businesses.
He acknowledged the support the league is receiving from its investment partners, GTI Assets Management, saying that the NPL will still count on the mutually beneficial relationship to grow the financial base of the league.
Elegbeleye said: “Our aim is to increase the revenue base to such extent that the clubs will generate money from sponsorship shares to attract quality players from beyond Nigeria and also improve their infrastructure.
“It gladdens my heart to again harp on the broadcast streaming deal with Propel Sports Africa, which has as of
today, deployed cameras to 10 venues as a start-up. They plan to have a camera in each stadium in the long run, while we work out modalities to move cameras from one location to the nearest.
“So far, the AI cameras have been deployed, installed, and tested in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Uyo, and Aba. Other locations are Ilorin, Jos, Gombe, Katsina, and Kano. The distribution covers the geographical zones. In the days ahead, there will be a big announcement coming on the broadcast streaming deal.”
He urged the clubs to cooperate with Propel Sports Africa to stream the games of the league live, reiterating that the board would be firm in enforcement of the rules and regulations, as well as be fair to all teams.
“There will be no favouritism in applying the rules no matter whose interest is at stake, as our sole interest is the good of the league. Therefore, we would be building on the achievements of the last season to ensure that Nigeria's domestic league reclaims a pride of place in Africa,” he said.
