After a series of frustrating postponements, the Nigeria Premier Football League is finally set to make its much-anticipated return today on the 30th of September 2023. For fans who have been waiting with bated breath and growing frustration, this news couldn’t have come at a better time. The air is thick with optimism as the league prepares to kick off once again, breathing new life into the hearts of supporters who had started to lose hope.
Even with the various challenges that the league seems to have faced prior the kick off date, the 2023 season promises to be a thrilling revival, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the return of their beloved teams to the pitch.
As football journalists, we have begun to peer into crystal balls, eager to share predictions for the 23/24 league season while expectations are also running high. These forecasts would include speculations about what teams would secure coveted continental places by the season’s end. Join us as we delve into our top four predictions for the NPFL 23/24 season.
Expectations For The Season
When it comes to the quality of football on display, we anticipate nothing short of greatness. Certain teams, such as Enyimba, Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United, and Rivers United, have consistently demonstrated their tactical prowess over the years. They have the capacity to produce world-class football and contend for the prestigious NPFL crown. Expect thrilling encounters and fierce competition from these formidable sides.
Another encouraging development is the enhanced commitment of clubs to branding and marketing. An influx of player announcements on NPFL club’s social media platforms signifies a shift towards more professional club management. These advancements should manifest as increased on-pitch action and buzz when the league resumes.
A particularly intriguing addition to the league is Sporting Lagos, as the self-proclaimed pride of Lagos, this newcomer faces the challenging task of surviving in the unforgiving NPFL environment. Under the guidance of Coach Paul Offor and with experienced players like Junior Lokosa and Ekene Olisema leading on the pitch, the team’s fortunes will be closely monitored. Can the “Tech boys” evade relegation and even succeed? We certainly hope so, and club chairman Godwin Enakhena has aspirations that extend beyond mere survival. The NPFL newbies promise to add an extra layer of excitement to what is shaping up to be an enthralling premier league season.
We are throwing our hat in the ring with these predictions; Remo Stars will be the eventual champions, while Enyimba Rivers United and Bendel Insurance will make up the top four, whereas Doma United, Sunshine Stars, Katsina United, and Heartland are my relegation candidates.
Robert Olimene, an esteemed sports broadcast journalist for Impact Business Radio, and Samuel Bamisebi, a seasoned sports journalist and Confederation of African Football (CAF) -accredited football commentator, collectively possess a decade-long track record of covering the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). With their wealth of experience and deep insights into the league, they share their perspectives on the forthcoming season.
Robert Olimene, Impact Business Radio
My expectation for the 23/24 NPFL season is for the league to make more meaningful progress. NPFL teams have done very well in the transfer market & are all well-equipped for the upcoming season which is a 38-game league format and not an abridged version. Overall I am looking forward to top-notch football, with loads of goals, impeccable officiating, amazing fan experience across the country, and social media invasion like never seen before.
For now, one cannot say what team has made the best of the transfer market until we see each of them play and how these players gel together. For now, all teams have a level playing field; when we begin to see action, we will know for sure which team did well in the market.
Sporting Lagos FC is the name on the lips of every passionate NPFL fan, follower & journalist. Their rise has been astonishing for a team that is barely two years old. The input of veteran journalist Godwin Enakhena has been phenomenal. Sporting Lagos won the Super 8 tournament where they rubbed shoulders with the big boys of the NPFL and gave a good account of themselves, not forgetting their amazing fans who come in large numbers to back the club.
So far so good, they have held their own, but this season will indeed test their mettle and also give the club’s management a new perspective as regards the future of the team going forward.
My predictions for the Top 4, in no particular order, are Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance, Rangers, and Enyimba.
The team I’m tipping to win the 23/24 NPFL will be Remo Stars, It won’t be easy for the Ikenne-based side who clocked in second position in the Super 6, they will need to be ruthless in dispatching teams at home and pick very valuable points on the road because they have no continental football on their table at the moment. Other picks are Enyimba, Bendel Insurance & Rangers of Enugu.
Samuel Bamisebi, Ikorodu City FC
Certainly, it is going to be long and exhilarating but I’m expecting lots of shocking results, upsets, entertaining games, and availability of games for most fans to access. I’m expecting better officiating and hoping that same officiating doesn’t smear the games.
I believe a couple of teams have done fairly well in recruitment, Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance being top of the list. However, I feel Bendel can still do more in the creative midfield position with a more commanding figure and another hot striker. I feel Shooting Stars have done some of the best transfer business and that’s because I’ve seen most of their warm-up games
It’s good to have Sporting Lagos in the league. They can help sell the league positively with their home games. The kind of atmosphere they create at home can be a huge plus for them if they can build on it and make their home a fortress. Winning almost all their home games will guarantee them a stay in the league for another season but I feel they are a team to watch this coming season.
In no particular order, here are my top four predictions: Enyimba, Remo Stars, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and the four teams I believe will battle for relegation: Katsina United, Gombe United, Doma United, and Bayelsa United are the clubs involved.
Sidenote: The Nigeria Professional Football League has been renamed the Nigeria Premier Football League. The new name was adopted at the Nigeria Football Federation’s Annual General Assembly in Uyo on September 11, 2023. The Nigeria Professional Football League was the previous name for the top division.
Propel Sports Africa, the media partner for the NPFL has announced MTN as their exclusive broadcast telecommunication partner for the broadcast of the games on mobile phones. This means only MTN subscribers can see full games when the season resumes with subscription starting at 1200 naira while other telecommunication service subscribers would only be able to see extended highlights and replays on the NPFL live app which is available for download on the Google play store.