NPFL rejigs league matches, to end season June 23

League leaders, Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars battling for points during a recent NPFL game. The league resumes May 26 across the country.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a new arrangement aimed at ensuring the early conclusion of the 2023/24 season ahead of impending Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions’ preliminary rounds.

The NPFL had earlier suspended matches to allow Rivers United play their outstanding games before the competition enters the home run.

And now in a circular signed by NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body said that the competition would resume with Match Day 33 on May 26, while the final day games will hold on June 23, 2024.

The circular sent to all the clubs reads in part: “Having considered the circular from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scheduling preliminary club competition matches to start on August 16, we are seeking to arrange our remaining fixtures to be concluded on such a period to allow our clubs up to two months preparatory period to participate in the CAF club matches.

“Pursuant to the above, we have solicited and secured one midweek window from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from their President Federation Cup fixtures. Wednesday, June 12, will thus host our Match Day 36 fixtures, which will see the last games of the season holding on June 23.

“It is our wish and expectation that there would be no further disruption of our schedule as we get going again on Sunday, May 26, with Match Day 33 fixtures.”

In an attached fixture to the circular, the NPFL said that Match Day 34 games will hold on June 2, Match Day 35 on June 9, while Match Day 37 and 38 fixtures will hold on June 16 and June 23