NPFL: When does the 2023 season come to an end?

NPFL: When does the 2023 season come to an end?

Jidechi Chidiezie 22:10 - 15.05.2023

The 2023 regular season was originally slated to have been concluded on Sunday, May 14.

With the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season left with a final round of matches, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) revealed that some fans would have to wait a while longer to watch their favourite teams one last time.

The 2023 regular season was originally slated to been concluded on Sunday, May 14, with the NPFL Super 6 - a playoff to decide who would be crowned champions, and what teams would represent Nigeria in the CAF competitions - to take off five days later.

However, a recent update provided by the IMC confirmed that it had rescheduled all Matchday 18 fixtures in Group B of the 2023 season, to give room for outstanding games involving Rivers United to be concluded.

IMC confirm May 21 conclusion for both Groups A and B

"Outstanding games involving Rivers United FC will be concluded before the matchday 18 games of Group B which have been collectively rescheduled for Sunday 21st May 2023," the league management body said in an official statement.

Rivers United are the reigning NPFL champions

Following their 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars on Monday, May 15, the Pride of Rivers are now left with one outstanding match - against Doma United on Thursday, May 18, after which, they would join other teams in the Nigerian top division to wrap up the 2023 regular season on Sunday, May 21.

Upon conclusion of the regular season, the top-three-ranked teams from the two league groups will proceed to a playoff, to decide who would represent Nigeria in next season's CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and who would be crowned the league champion.

Super 6 playoffs gets new date

Meanwhile, the IMC has also confirmed that the 2023 NPFL Super 6 playoff would now hold from Saturday, June 3 to Sunday, June 11 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The playoffs would see already-qualified Bendel Insurance and two other teams from Group A which could be either of Enyimba, Remo Stars or Akwa United.

Group B's participants in the Super 6 playoffs are expected to be any three from current leaders and defending champions Rivers United, Lobi Stars, third-placed Doma United, Sunshine Stars or Abia Warriors.

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