Action returns to the Nigeria Professional Football League on Friday, with Rangers International FC hosting Nembe City FC in the season 2013/2014 opener at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu State.
The Enugu-based Rangers, who are one of the Nigerian clubs with most domestic league titles, won 17 and drawn two of their home games last season.
It was an impressive home record, which was not enough to earn them the 2012/2013 league title, in spite of being among title favourites for most part of the season.
The Flying Antelopes, who also missed the 2011/2012 title by the whiskers, would however be hoping to start out early in the new season on a winning note.
But they have in Nembe City FC a team known for springing surprises, an unknown bunch ready to give the so-called big-names a run for their money.
The live transmission of the match by South Africa-based SuperSport channel could also spur Nembe City FC into a performance, which can haunt Rangers for most days of the season.
Paul Ozor, the Rangers’ General Manager, has however assured the club’s fans the team would pick the maximum three points on Friday, and finish better than last season’s fifth place.
Ozor told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday the club had also decided to make the match venue’s gates free as a welcome gift to its fans.
He said: “The team returned from its training tour of Nnewi two days ago (Tuesday) and the way I see the players, they are ready to go.
“They know that to be on the continental stage they have to win their first game.
“We have decided to open the gates free of charge for everybody.
“We want to attract as many people as possible to the stadium because our league is changing for good.
“We want to ensure people begin to watch our matches.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Sunshine Stars of Akure will host last year’s runners-up, Enyimba International of Aba, in the star match of the competition’s week one.
The match, seen as the battle of the East and West’s big-spenders, should give football fans value for their money as Enyimba have always been a tough guest for them.
Enyimba, who have won the league six times, will want to prove to Akure fans that it was no fluke they emerged champions of the 2013/2014 Pre-Season Tournament.
The Peoples’ Elephant narrowly missed out on winning the league last season, while Sunshine Stars disappointingly finished 12th on the log.
Another interesting match will be the one involving hosts Heartland FC and Dolphins FC in Owerri.
Heartland FC failed to make it to the continent this season, and will now be itching to re-launch themselves on the international scene.
The players and coaching crew know pretty well that beating Dolphins in the first game of the season would be the best way to go in achieving this.
In Jos, newcomers, Giwa FC, will host defending champions, Kano Pillars, who recently crashed out in the CAF Champions League and will be aiming to redeem their image with a win.
Another league debutant, Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia, will have their hands full as they host Kaduna United.
Ladan Bosso’s arrival should boost the morale of Abia Warriors to do the damage against their opponents, after the former Flying Eagles coach left Bayelsa United about two weeks ago.
In other matches, Warri Wolves will want to replicate their Confederations Cup exploits in Cameroun last weekend when they host El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.
A win for Wolves will be vital as the team looks forward to finishing in the top four at the end of the season.
Bayelsa United of Yenagoa and Sharks FC of Port Harcourt will also renew their rivalry when both sides meet at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State in a South-South clash.
Sharks FC are however likely to benefit from the temporary relocation of Bayelsa United’s home matches to Calabar, pending the completion of work at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa.
Similarly, FC Taraba will square up against Nasarawa United of Lafia in Jalingo while Akwa United of Uyo battle Gombe United FC.
The presence of goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim should give confidence to the Gombe side, which represented Nigeria in the 2008 CAF Champions League but crashed out in the first round.
The Desert Scorpions, as Gombe United are nicknamed, can surprise hosts, Akwa United, as they look capable of replicating their 2007 success story when they finished runners up to Enyimba.
Lobi Stars of Makurdi will also have their hands full when they host Crown FC of Ogbomoso.
The newly-promoted Crown FC have increased their players’ winning bonus to N40,000 each as a form of motivation, and this can be a factor in the game.
Trending
- Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo Season 3 grand finale set to hold
- 2024 National SRHR Conference holds in Abuja
- Tyson Fury agrees to Usyk rematch
- We’ll defend, attack, score as a team — Golden Eaglets’ forward Adams
- Breaking: Chelsea, Pochettino part ways with immediate effect
- Ronaldo headlines strong Portugal squad for Euro 2024 + Full team list
- Usyk suspended from boxing, to be stripped of belt
- Breaking: Pochettino quits Chelsea after one season in charge