Date: 2020-11-10

The fixtures for the 2020/21 Nigerian Professional Football League season was released on Monday and the opening weekend on December 6 will see eight time champions Enyimba host Abia Warriors at the Aba Township stadium, The PUNCH reports.

Next up for The Elephants of Aba on matchday 2 is a tricky trip to Ilorin where they will face Kwara United on matchday 2.

According to a detailed fixture released by the League Management Company on Monday, the new season is expected to end on Sunday, July 4, 2021.

The fixtures also put an end to earlier speculation that the league will be played in an abridged format to make up for lost time and help align it with those of their European counterparts.

Other opening day fixtures sees four time-champions Kano Pillars play away to Adamawa United in Gombe while MFM FC will play their opening game of the season against Warri Wolves at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Rivers United will test their wits against Enugu Rangers in an Oriental derby while FC IfeanyiUbah might play their opening game at the Aba or the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Akwa United will face neighbours Dakkada FC at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium while Plateau United will begin their campaign against Kwara United in Bauchi.

Others fixtures see Nasarawa United host Wikki Tourists in Markurdi while Jigawa Golden Stars welcome Sunshine Stars in Katsina.

Katsina United will welcome Heartland FC while Rivers United will host Enugu Rangers, IfeanyiUbah will also face Lobi Stars in About or Benin according to the opening day fixture.

Plateau United will also face Kwara United in Bauchi.

With only 13 stadia across the country deemed fit to host games in the forthcoming season, most teams will be playing away from their traditional games.