Emma Njoku

After several months of delay, the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season kicks off today across the country, with defending champions, Kano Pillars, facing a stiff test from Rivers United at the Sani Abach Stadium in Kofarmata, in Kano City, in the star fixture of the season’s opening day.

While Pillars retained the bulk of players who won the league shield last season, the Stanley Eguma-tutored Port Harcourt side fortified its squad with no fewer than 16 new players, including former Super Eagles’ defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe. The huge centre back will bring his experience to bear in the defense of Rivers United. Kano fans are, therefore, guaranteed of exciting football today.

In Jos, Plateau United will host Lobi Stars of Makurdi at the New Jos Stadium. It will be an interesting battle between Coach Abdu Maikaba, who is into his second season with the 2017 champions, and Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, who is spending his first season with Lobi Stars.

Lobi, who topped in 2018, will look to shock Plateau at the 44,000 capacity Jos Stadium with their returnee veterans, David Tyavkase, Sibi Gwar and Sunday Akleche expected to make their experience count.

Wikki Tourists and Jigawa Golden Stars will slug it out at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi in a North East versus North West encounter.

Jigawa Stars are making a return to the top flight after a six-year absence and will look to ruffle some feathers. But they sure will ha full hands against their hosts in Bauchi.

NPFL returnees, Warri Wolves will need to punch above their weight today when they host star studded Akwa United of Uyo, at the Warri Township Stadium.

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Notable among the experienced actors in the Uyo side are former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan, and 2007 NPFL top scorer, Akarandut Orok, who has returned to the domestic league after years of sojourn abroad.

It will be a baptism of sorts for Coach John Obuh and Duke Udi as they begin their tenure with the Promise Keepers.

New coach of Heartland FC of Owerri, Fidelis Ilechukwu, will welcome his former club, Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) of Lagos to the Okigwe Stadium as he makes his debut with the Naze Millionaires today.

Illechukwu spent eight seasons with the church team and should know the inner workings of his opponent.

In Nnewi, FC IfeanyiUba should have little problem with newly promoted Adamawa United, while Delta Force will welcome Dakkada Football Club (formerly Akwa Starlets) who are new in the top flight.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors welcome Katsina United, who will be without their former gaffer, Abdullahi Biffo.

The fixtures between Rangers and Sunshine Stars as well as that of Enyimba versus Nasarawa United will not hold because of Rangers and Enyimba’s involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup this weekend