NPFL opening day fixtures: Naija Super 8 winners emerge as dark horse

A new NPFL season finally kicks off after the new season had to be postponed by the League hierarchy due to sponsorship reasons.

Naija Super 8 winners, Sporting Lagos, will be opening a new book in their brief history as they play their first ever Nigeria Professional Football League game, Soccernet.ng reports.

The club was founded just over a year ago, and they have surprised fans with their journey to the top. Promotion from the NNL and a win over NPFL defending Champions, Enyimba FC, is a sound warning to everyone that the new boys are not to be overlooked.

The Noisy Lagosians secured their first silverware a few months ago, at the Naija Super 8 in a thrilling South-West derby, defeating Daniel Ogunmodede’s Remo Stars.

The 2023/24 NPFL finally commences this weekend, with Katsina United and Kwara United kicking the new season off by 3:30 at the Young Katsina Stars Stadium.

The new season will feature a full league style, rather than the abridged league style that was put in place last season.

The games between Rivers United against Remo Stars, and Bendel Insurance against Enyimba have been postponed due to Rivers United and Bendels’ involvement in Continental football through the weekend.

On Independence Day, October 1st, Shooting Stars will host Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo-State.

On Monday, September 2nd, Sporting Lagos welcome Gombe United to the Onikan Stadium for what is set to be a historical showdown, with Paul Offor’s men poised to upset the big boys with Super Eagles striker, Junior Lokosa up-front.

The fans are not left out, as they’ll be afforded the luxury of watching the games from the comfort of their homes via the NPFL Live app.

The defending League Champions, Enyimba, are hoping for a repetition of last season’s success, and want to put a smile on the face of the fans, especially after a terrible performance at the Naija Super 8.