After lots of postponement, the second-tier football league – the Nigerian national League kicks start this weekend. We take a look at the table shakers, pretenders and contenders of the promotional tickets to the NPFL.
Niger Tornadoes
Being an NPFL giant, it is going to be a lot for Niger Tornadoes to adapt to the NNL. With so many pre-season friendlies, the side will be haunting for a promotional ticket as they start the season welcoming Sokoto United on MD1. The tornadoes know a win will be a confidence booster for the long road to the NPFL.
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El-kanemi Warriors
Another NPFL giants find herself in the NNL. The Maiduguri based club having been on this route between 2007 and 2012 know exactly how it is and what it takes to return to the top flight. Having won the NNL trophy in 2000, they will want to get promotion in style and defeating Taraba FC on MD1 will be a good start.
Shooting Stars
The Oluyole Warriors have been on this route for three years. With the ups and downs the club has experienced, the reasons are clear but with inspiration from a new governor and new sport commissioner alongside some fresh air at the club, 3SC might just contend for NPFL ticket. They face Go Round FC at the Liberty stadium.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS)
Having tasted the NPFL, the Ilorin club side knows how important it is to get back to top-flight football. ABS will need to prove themselves and get maximum points on the pitch of play. The team is on the road to Kada city for the season opener.
Remo stars
The Sagamu club side have also tasted top-flight football. Started last season well in the NNL but could not keep up with the pace. With another opportunity beckoning, Remo stars will need to be more consistent to get promoted again.
Osun United
Secured a slot in the NNL days ago, the former Prime FC know anything short of consistent performance is not good enough. With former Nigerian international, Bright Omokaro named as head coach, fans will be hoping for a better season. They face neighbours Ekiti United on Sunday.
Bayelsa United
Only missing promotion by whiskers last season, table shakers Bayelsa United will be hoping for a good outing this season. The Bayelsans are on the road to Ogbomoso to face Crown FC.
The NNL comes alive with Matchday 1 matches going down this weekend. All matches kick off by 5 pm.
NNL MD1 Fixtures
22.11. Nigeria Airforce FC v Aklosendi
22.11. Oyah Sports v Kogi United
23.11 Bendel insurance v Joseph ‘Atete
23.11. Crown FC v Bayelsa United
23.11. Dynamite Force vApex Krane
23.11 El Kanemi Warriors v Taraba FC
23.11. Gateway Utd v Giant Brillars
23.11. Green Beret v Kebbi United
23.11. Ibom Youths v Akajiobi
23.11. Kada City v ABS
23.11. Malunfashi v DMD
23.11. Niger Tornadoes v Sokoto United
23.11. Osun United v Ekiti United
3.11. Rarara v Mighty Jets
23.11. Real Stars v Yobe Stars
23.11. Road Safety FC Zamfara
24.11. 36 Lion United v Abia Comets
24.11. Kwara United v Gombe United
24.11. Remo Stars v Lamray UTD
24.11. Shooting stars v Go-Round
24.11. Stationery Stores v Rovers FC
24.11. Vandrezzer v Jossy
