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It will be fireworks this weekend across the country as the most difficult league in the world returns fully.
Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, makes a full return this weekend for the 2023 season.
The Interim Managament Committee, IMC, decided that it will be an abridged campaign, in a bid to harmonise the league with the rest of the world.
Last weekend, newly promoted Bendel Insurance became the first team to register an away win after a shock 2-0 victory over former champions Akwa United in the league's curtain raiser in Uyo.
But this weekend, it will be a full-blown 'war' across the country as there will be nine matches played in the league. Here is a quick look at the matches set to take place in Groups A and B in the NPFL.
Nasarawa United vs Enyimba
Getting the weekend off to the best possible start is an interesting clash between Nasarawa United and Enyimba FC of Aba on Saturday.
Both former League Cup and NPFL champions respectively will be looking for a positive start to the season when they take to the pitch in Lafia later today.
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Super Sunday
On Sunday, there will be eight matches across different centres with the standout fixture the Oriental derby in Akwa.
Enugu side, Rangers welcome their counterparts from Abia State, Abia Warriors in what's expected to be an explosive encounter.
There is no love lost between these two, but this is one tie that the Flying Antelopes have dominated.
Rangers have won the last two matches between them at home, both games ended 2-1. However, they will be weary of the Warriors, who defeated them 2-0 the last time both sides met.
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Kwara United vs Gombe
After a top-four finish in the 2021/22 season, Kwara United are one of the teams to look out for this term in the league.
United will be looking to continue their performance in the domestic league with another brilliant 2023 campaign. They get their season off to a start with a home game against Gombe United, who finished eighth last season.
This is one of the most entertaining fixtures in the NPFL, with the last two games between these two producing eight goals, an average of four goals per game.
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The home side has won each of those two games, so, you need to follow this one closely.
Plateau United vs Shooting Stars
Last season's runners-up, Plateau United will have their hands full when they welcome ambitious Shooting Stars to Jos.
These are two teams with two of the best coaches in the league as Fidelis Ilechukwu goes head-to-head with the Oracle, Gbenga Ogunbote.
Plateau have won the last two matches between them at home, but Shooting Stars defeated the Jos side when both sides last met. This is another fun game to follow closely.
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Rivers United vs Lobi Stars
Champions Rivers United will start their title defense at home with a potential banana peel clash against Lobi Stars.
The Pride of Rivers are in a confident mood heading into this one against the side from Makurdi.
United are unbeaten against the Stars in the last three games, with two wins and a draw.
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Remo Stars s El Kanemi Warriors
Ikenne-based Remo Stars will welcome their counterparts from the north El Kanemi Warriors to their beautiful home in Ikenne.
Remo will be looking to welcome the Warriors back to the NPFL following their promotion last season.
In terms of their past encounters, they have shared a win apiece in the last two, with the home side registering a 2-0 win. Remo to win?
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Bayelsa United vs Dakkada
Another promoted side Bayelsa United will have it all to do when they take Uyo side, Dakkada FC.
After their absence from the NPFL, Bayelsa United are back and will be looking to get off to the best possible start vs Dakkada, who are looking to avoid the struggles of last season this term.
Doma United vs Sunshine Stars
Doma United are another promoted side that will kick off their NPFL season with a home game. They welcome Sunshine Stars to their home in Gombe for this one. Both teams are in Group B of the first phase of the league.
Wikki Tourist vs Niger Tornadoes
Finally, two sides who are no strangers to each other battle it out in Bauchi as Wikki Tourist take on Niger Tornadoes.
This is a northern derby and will be as explosive as the Oriental one in Akwa.
The last three matches between them have seen the home side win and keep a clean sheet, but this fixture has averaged just a little over one goal per game.
All the matches will kick off at 4 pm except the Oriental derby in Akwa, which is slated for 3 pm on Sunday.
Which of these matches are you most looking forward to?
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