NPFL board contradicts self on reasons for kick-off postponement

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) board has contradicted itself following the postponement of the 2023/24 season for the second time. The NPFL board announced the postponement citing the need to have members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The Super […]

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) board has contradicted itself following the postponement of the 2023/24 season for the second time.

The NPFL board announced the postponement citing the need to have members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Super Eagles will be playing their final AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.

This is not the first time the kick-off date will be altered after it was initially announced to commence on 26 August 2023 before moving to 9 September, which has now suffered a similar fate.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kick-off in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our chairman and clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo”, Owumi told NPFL media yesterday.

He said the postponement has been communicated to the clubs so they can stand down travel plans already made.

“Note therefore that there will be no flag-off game this Saturday, September 9 as originally planned”, the letter to the clubs read. He said a new kick-off date will be communicated in a few days.

However, contrary to the sole reason the league body gave in its statement, the letter sent to the clubs suggests there was more to this latest postponement.

The letter, also signed by Mr Owumi, cited exigencies connected to the league’s sponsorship as the reason for this latest postponement.

“The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) wishes to inform you that the scheduled kick-off for the 2023/24 season has been put on hold, and a new date will be communicated to you. This is due to the exigencies connected to the sponsorship of the League.

“Note, therefore, that there will be no flag-off game this Saturday, September 9, as originally planned.

“This is for your information and necessary action, please,” the letter read.