NPFL: Abia Warriors wants to return to Umuahia as leagues resumption postponed again

Supporters of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Abia State, have called on the Nigerian Football Professional League, NPFL, to return the club to Umuahia to play their matches.

The supporters appealed during a meeting with the Secretary of Abia Warriors, Francis Nwaubani.

The fans said since the football pitch of Umuahia township stadium has recently undergone special rehabilitation to improve its standard, the team should now be allowed to play in the Abia State capital.

They noted that the Umuahia township stadium field, which is a natural playing turf, should be encouraged, especially now that the pitch has a more improved playing condition.

Some of the fans, Kalu Sammy, Nduka Divine, and Eme Mba John said playing matches away from the team’s home ground would make it hard for fans, as they not be able to travel away from Umuahia regularly, because of the harsh economic conditions.

Meanwhile, NPFL has announced a new date for the kick of the second stanza of the 2023/24 season.

The resumption date which was initially scheduled for February 14, 2024, has been changed to February 16, 2024.

The NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi disclosed this in an address to all the participating clubs.

Owumi stated that the aim is to ensure sporting fairness to all by not having any club with arrears of fixtures from the first round.

“This is to formally notify all clubs that the new date for the Matchday 20, initially scheduled for February 14, 2024, is now the weekend of Friday, February 16, 2024, to Sunday, February 18, 2024”, read part of the letter.

Rivers United will be in action against Shooting Stars in the rescheduled matchday 15 clash in Ibadan on Saturday.

The game is billed for the Lekan Salami Stadium at 4 pm.