In a letter dated September 24, 2023, signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the league, Davidson Owumi, addressed to all 20 NPFL clubs, it was revealed that the NPFL season will begin on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

The letter grappled with some of the Marketing concerns and stated that the League is still hopeful for prospective partners as a result of ongoing talks. 

“Starting with our marketing activities, it has to be noted that the offer from Startime has been adequately attended to and exhausted. Noteworthy is their proposal for a TEN YEARS PARTNERSHIP, WHICH IS NOT OBTAINABLE IN SPORTS MARKETING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE ALSO MADE A COUNTER OFFER FOR 5 YEARS. TEN YEARS WILL MEAN WE ARE LOCKING UP OUR ASSETS FOR THAT DURATION OF TIME… WE ARE STILL HOPEFUL, THEY, OR OTHER PROSPECTIVE PARTNERS WILL STILL SHOW UP SINCE TALKS ARE ONGOING. ANY SUCCESS ACHIEVED WILL ENLARGE THE ECONOMIC FRONTIERS OF OUR LEAGUE AND BY EXTENSION THE CLUBS, AS WE PROGRESS.”  

Last season’s champions, Enyimba International received ₦100 million, but with the new development as confirmed by the Chief Operating Officer of the league, Davidson Owumi, the 2023/24 champions are guaranteed to see a 50% upsurge receiving ₦150 million in prize money.

It was also revealed in the letter that a total of ₦200 million will be shelled out as start-off grants among the 20 clubs.

“The 20 clubs will, as was done last season, receive a take-off grant of N10m each to smoothen your operations as the season starts. We are, therefore, expecting all the clubs to as a matter of urgency forward their respective account details to the NPFL secretariat for the transfer of the said amount as the season is set to commence on Saturday, September 30.” 

The League is expected to kick off with already released fixtures. Rivers United and Bendel would be exempted from the opening day as they will be action in the continental competitions.

Rivers United will host Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso in the second leg of their second-round tie at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The first leg ended in a goalless draw a fortnight ago.

Bendel Insurance on the other hand will be guests to Morocco for their second-leg tie against former champions, RS Berkane. The first leg ended in 2-2 and the Benin Arsenals would have their work cut out for them.

Nigerians are urged to show their support to the participating teams, primarily Rivers State inhabitants who can make their way down to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

MATCHDAY ONE FIXTURES

Bayelsa United vs. Akwa United

Shooting Stars vs. Plateau United

Abia Warriors vs. Niger Tornadoes

Katsina United vs. Kwara United

Sunshine Stars Vs Kano Pillars

Heartland vs. Lobi Stars

Sporting Lagos vs. Gombe United

Rangers United vs. Doma United