The interim management committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has effected a change of nomenclature for the Nigerian top flight and the league will now be referred to as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPLF).
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The draws for the 2012/13 NPFL were held on Friday in Abuja with Enugu Rangers playing host to Enyimba FC in the standout game.
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The first round of Matches are expected to be played on March 9.
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Champions, Kano Pillars travel to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi where they will face Wikki Tourists while things are expected to get heated up at the Illorin Township stadium with the first derby of the season between Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC and Kwara United.
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Cup kings, Heartland welcome newly promoted Nembe City to the the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri in a fascinating fixture while Sharks take on Warri Wolves at the Sharks FC stadium in a game that is expected to be evenly contested.
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Two other newly-promoted clubs; Nasarawa United and El Kanemi Warriors go toe to toe at the Lafia township stadium, Lafia.
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Three-time champions, Dolphins embark on the short trip from Port Harcourt to Uyo to face Akwa United while last season's Caf champions' league semi finalists, Sunshine Stars will take on Kaduna United.
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Another newly promoted side, Bayelsa United will face Lobi Stars at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa while Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) kick off their season with a game against Gombe United in Ibadan.
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The IMC led by Nduka Irabor had wanted the season to be an abridged one but the clubs kicked against the plan and the 2012/13 campaign will now be played in its regular format with midweek games set to be accommodated into the calendar.
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Meanwhile Secretary of one of the 20 NPFL clubs, Sharks FC, Cyril Dum Wite has expressed surprise at the change of name for the league.
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"I am surprised but I think this decision may have been reached as a result of the upcoming court case involving the former NPL chairman, Baribote Victor Rumson. Let's see how things go after that case but I am not comfortable with the new nomenclature because I believe the NPL is more apt," Dum Wite said.
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NPFL opening round fixtures
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Rangers vs Enyimba
Wikki vs Pillars
ABS vs Kwara United
Heartland vs Nembe City
Sharks vs Warri Wolves
Nassarawa vs El Kanemi
Akwa United vs Dolphins
Sunshine vs Kaduna United
Bayelsa United vs Lobi Stars
3SC vs Gombe United.
We hope this name change will change the whole league positively.
The league is messed up now