Abridged League: IMC Conducts Draw, As Rivers United Begin Title Defence Against Lobi Stars

Abridged League: IMC Conducts Draw, As Rivers United Begin Title Defence Against Lobi Stars

By Niyi Busari

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) called the bluff of the Clubs Representatives, after it conducted the draws of the new season of the Nigeria Professional Football League, as champions Rivers United will begin it's title defence with a tricky home fixture against Lobi Stars, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The draws for the 2022/23 NPFL Abridged League was held on Wednesday in Abuja, with the season to kickoff of January 8th, 2023 and end May.

The 20 NPFL clubs were drawn in two groups A and B, 10 for each and not the usual North and South, as both groups had a mix of teams irrespective of the zones.

Last season runners up, Plateau United are in a tough Group A alongside Kwara United, Nasarawa United, Gombe United, Enyimba, Akwa United, Shooting Stars, Remo Stars and newly promoted duo of El-Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance.

Rivers United are in Group B with Niger Tornadoes, Doma United, Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars, Abia Warriors, Dakkada FC, Rangers, Sunshine Stars and their derby rivals Bayelsa United.

The IMC announced that a Super 6 (three top teams from Group A and B) will be played to determine the eventual champion of the season.

The NPFL Champion us expected to earn a whooping 100million Naira for winning the title.

GROUP A

Kwara United

Nasarawa United

Plateau United

Gombe United

El Kanemi Warriors

Enyimba

Akwa United

Bendel Insurance

Shooting Stars

Remo Stars

GROUP B

Niger Tornadoes

Doma United

Wikki Tourists

Lobi Stars

Rivers United

Abia Warriors

Dakkada FC

Rangers

Sunshine Stars

Bayelsa United