Enugu Rangers to begin title defence against Abia Warriors

The defending Champions, Enugu Rangers are to begin their 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title defence with a derby clash against Abia Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. The Week 1 fixtures for next season was released at the draws conducted on Saturday night in Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes ended a 32-year wait to emerge as the NPFL champions last season. They will be keen to retain the crown yet again this season.

In some of the other Week 1 pairings, Enyimba International of Aba, which had a disappointing outing last season, will be starting their campaign this term with a home game against Sunshine Stars.

Lagos will have a feel of action in the first weekend for next season as MFM FC have been scheduled to face Niger Tornadoes.

A mouthwatering clash is on the cards in Kano where Pillars will be facing billionaire club FC Ifeanyi Ubah in one of the season opening games.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars will face Lobi Stars in what look like a repeat of last of last season fixture while newly-promoted Remo Stars will start life in the top flight with a home game against Plateau United.

In Port Harcourt, it will be Rivers United against El-kanemi while the duo of Kastina United , Gombe United will face off in the battle of new boys.

2016/17 NPFL – Match Day One Fixtures

Enyimba Int’l vs Sunshine Stars

MFM FC vs Niger Tornadoes

Rangers Int’l vs Abia Warriors

Kano Pillars vs FC Ifeanyi Ubah

Wikki Tourists vs Nasarawa United

Shooting Stars vs Lobi Stars

ABS FC vs Akwa United

Remo Stars vs Plateau United

Rivers United vs El-kanemi Warriors

Kastina United vs Gombe United