Kano Pillars boss Okey Emordi says his side’s opening day trip to Heartland FC is a “good” way to start their Glo Premier League title defence following conclusion of the 2014/15 fixtures draw ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.
Reining Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Pillars, are away to the ‘Naze Millionaires’ in Owerri in the first round of the upcoming season, starting on March 7.
Pillars have avoided defeat just once in their seven previous trips to the Dan Anyiam Stadium in all competitions, including a 1-0 four months ago.
Kano Pillars’ Isaac Loute Fends Off Dolphins Ifeanyi Egwim’s Challenge During the 2015 Super 4 Pre-Season in Abuja. Image: LMC
“It’s a good match for us to start the season,” Emordi told npfl.ng. “At some point in the season we will meet the big teams and it’s good starting with one.
“We are prepared for the new league season and we will take every game as they come.”
Other first round fixtures have six-time champions Enyimba international at home to Akwa United, while El-Kanemi Warriors, who are yet consigned to Pillars’ Sani Abacha Stadium for their home matches as it were last season, host Nasarawa United FC.
Newly promoted NPFL side Shooting Stars are away to fellow returnee Wikki Tourists in Bauchi, while Sunshine Stars visit Sharks FC in Port-Harcourt.
Giwa FC are at home to Abia Warriors in Jos and Dolphins host new comers Kwara United.
The League Management Company (LMC) in a statement on Monday reiterated that “February 20 remains the deadline for submission of registration materials for the season”.
“The March 5 cut-off date for the submission of Financial Performance Guaranty still stands and appropriate sanctions will be applied to clubs that breach the deadline,” said LMC’s Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar in a statement.
The build-up to the new season has hit full gear, following successful completion of the expanded Glo Premier League Super-4 Invitational. The Nigeria Football federation (NF) will hold seminar for NPFL referees on Thursday, 5 March.
Match Day 1 Fixtures
Enyimba vs Akwa United
Wikki Tourists vs Shooting Stars
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Nasarawa United
Sharks vs Sunshine Stars
Dolphins vs Kwara United
Giwa FC vs Abia Warriors
Heartland vs Kano Pillars
Bayelsa United vs Lobi Stars
Gabros FC vs Warri Wolves
FC Taraba vs Rangers