IMC conducts draws, fixes 2022/2023 NPFL season kickoff amid clubs’ opposition

Majority of football clubs in the top flight had voted against the proposed abridgement of the for the upcoming NPFL season.

Victor Olorunfemi • December 28, 2022

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

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.

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