Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the recently inaugurated chairman of the NPFL Board, has announced the much-anticipated details for the upcoming 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
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The season is set to kick off on August 26, 2023, as part of a strategic move to align with the European football calendar.
The announcement came after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially inaugurated the NPFL Board on July 26.
Elegbeleye expressed confidence in the definite kick-off date, assuring stakeholders that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful season.
In addition to the scheduling alignment, the board aims to conclude the season on time while taking into account other football programs overseen by the Nigeria Football Federation.
In an effort to elevate the league’s standard and motivate clubs, the NPFL Board has significantly increased the prize money for the league winners. Last season’s champions received N100 million as a prize, but this season, the package has been enhanced to N150 million.
A portion of the prize money will be earmarked for facility improvement and players’ welfare, encouraging clubs to enhance their stadiums and remunerate their players better to achieve improved performance on the field.
Furthermore, the board is committed to maintaining high standards when it comes to hosting matches.
Stadia that have been deemed unfit to host NPFL matches will remain banned until they pass inspection.
Similarly, newly promoted clubs will undergo stadium inspections before the season commences. Any stadium that fails to meet the set standards will not be allowed to host league games to ensure the safety and quality of the matches.
Elegbeleye highlighted the importance of match officials in ensuring the success of the league. He expressed his hope that referees who performed well in the previous season would continue to excel in the upcoming one.
The board chairman credited part of last season’s success to the prompt payment of indemnities and allowances to referees and other match officials, which will be upheld in the forthcoming season.
Additionally, any referee found wanting will face disciplinary actions in line with the appropriate authorities recommendations.
Enyimba International FC, the reigning NPFL champions, has already received their N100 million prize money from the previous season.
With the new season offering increased rewards and an emphasis on stadium improvements and players’ welfare, excitement is building among football enthusiasts as they eagerly await the kick-off of the 2023/2024 NPFL season.
The NPFL Board’s vision and determination are set to elevate the league to new heights, fostering greater competition and enthusiasm in Nigeria’s professional football scene.
