The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has undergone revisions to its calendar for the final stages of the 2023/24 season.
These adjustments, according to the league body, were deemed necessary due to instructions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the commencement of the preliminary rounds of their inter-clubs competitions for next season.
Following Match-day 32, the league was temporarily suspended to accommodate Rivers United, who had outstanding games due to their involvement in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup.
Additionally, it provided an opportunity for teams in the top tier to partake in the President’s Cup, Nigeria’s equivalent of the FA Cup.
With Rivers United completing their outstanding fixtures and receiving communication from CAF, the NPFL has decided to rearrange the fixtures to align with CAF's timelines.
In a circular signed and released by NPFL's Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body announced that the competition would resume with Match Day 33 on Sunday, May 26, while the final day games will be held on June 23, 2024.
The circular, distributed to all 20 NPFL clubs, stated:
“Having considered the circular from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scheduling preliminary club competition matches to start on August 16, we are seeking to arrange our remaining fixtures to be concluded during such a period to allow our clubs up to two months of preparatory time to participate in the CAF club matches.”
“Pursuant to the above, we have solicited and secured one midweek window from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from their President Federation Cup fixtures. Wednesday, June 12, will thus host our Match Day 36 fixtures, concluding with the last games of the season on June 23. It is our wish and expectation that there will be no further disruption of our schedule as we resume on Sunday, May 26, with Match Day 33 fixtures.”
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) also released the remaining fixtures for the 2024 season, with the final four match-days set to take place on consecutive Sundays.
Calendar for the rest of the season
The league campaign will culminate on June 23rd, with a full slate of games on Match Day 38. Match Day 34 kicks off on June 2nd, followed by Match Day 35 on June 9th.
Rounding out the season, Match Days 37 and 38 will be played on June 16th and June 23rd respectively.
In the latest NPFL standings, Rangers International lead the table with 57 points, closely followed by Remo Stars in second place with 56 points, while reigning champions Enyimba are in third place with 53 points.
On the other end, the four bottom teams are Gombe United, Heartland, Akwa United, and Sunshine Stars.
The adjustments to the schedule aim to ensure a smooth conclusion to the season, allowing Nigerian clubs adequate preparation for the upcoming CAF competitions.
These fixtures mark a critical phase of the NPFL season, with both the title race and the battle to avoid relegation intensifying.
Here are the fixtures for Match-day 33, all scheduled to be played on Sunday pending any last-minute changes:
Match-day 33 fixtures
| Home | Time | Away |
| Kwara United | 16:00 | Remo Stars |
| Lobi Stars | 16:00 | Akwa United |
| Rivers United | 16:00 | Sporting Lagos |
| Plateau United | 16:00 | Niger Tornadoes |
| Katsina United | 16:00 | Shooting Stars |
| Rangers International | 16:00 | Bayelsa United |
| Sunshine Stars | 16:00 | Bendel Insurance |
| Kano Pillars | 16:00 | Doma United |
| Abia Warriors | 16:00 | Enyimba |
| Heartland | 16:00 | Gombe United |
All matches slated for Sunday, May 26, 2024
