IMC conducts draws, fixes 2022/2023 NPFL season kickoff amid clubs’ opposition
The Interim Management Committee (IMC) has conducted draws for the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season despite opposition to the newly introduced league format.
Majority of football clubs in the top flight had voted against the proposed abridgement of the for the upcoming NPFL season. Nonetheless, the league governing body organised the draws for the new format in an event that took place in Abuja on Wednesday.
IMC insisted the abridged league format became necessary in order for NPFL to meet the timeline for submission of representatives for CAF interclub competitions.
The NPFL has suffered several setbacks in recent months, majorly as a result of the disbandment of the former management body, League Management Company (LMC) by the federal government.
The 2022/2023 season scheduled to kickoff on January 8, 2023 will be played in abridged format, with the 20 participating teams grouped into two groups consisting 10 teams each.
Group A consists of last season’s third-placed team Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United and Enyimba.
Others in the pool include Kwara United, Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Gombe United and newcomers, El Kanemi Warriors.
In group B are defending champions and Nigeria’s sole remaining representative in the continent this season, Rivers United, Niger Tornadoes, Doma United, Wikki Tourists, and Lobi Stars. Also in the group are Abia Warriors, Dakkada FC, Rangers, Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United.
The full draws;
Group A: Kwara United, Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Gombe United, El Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance, Shooting Stars, and Remo Stars.
Group B: Niger Tornadoes, Doma United, Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Dakkada FC, Rangers, Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United.
On the conclusion of the initial phase of the league, a Super 6 would be used to determine the eventual champion of the season, with top three teams from each group advancing into the tourney.
The winner of the 2022/2023 NPFL season is expected to earn a sum of N100 million.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Insurance must deliver value beyond claims to boost penetration: Expert
Mr Onifade said the insurance industry must go beyond paying claims and deliver tangible benefits to customers throughout their relationship with insurers to drive wider adoption.
Sport
NGF hails Okoko for historic Kenya golf triumph
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, president of the Nigeria Golf Federation, congratulated Nigerian professional golfer Godwin Okoko on winning his maiden professional title in Kenya.
States
Wife breaks down in tears as judge orders reconciliation with allegedly abusive, violent husband
Ms Onuta accused her husband of being fond of assaulting and stripping her naked.
Africa
Africa must strengthen health workforce ownership, financing: Experts
Some health experts have called on African countries to strengthen ownership of health workforce development and increase domestic financing.
Africa
Sudan war worsening, UN fact-finding mission warns
A Nigerian member of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, Joy Ezeilo, warned that escalating attacks endanger civilians.
Faith
Tinubu,‌ northern governors urged to act against killing of Islamic clerics
President Bola Tinubu and northern governors have been urged to stem the tide of killings of Islamic clerics.
