NPFL 2019 Super Six;  Enyimba,  Enugu Rangers  in Oriental derby

By Harry Awurumibe, Abuja.

The 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 6 Play-off will hold at  Agege Stadium, Lagos called ‘Soccer Temple’ even as two Eastern arch-rivals, Enyimba International FC and Enugu Rangers will clash in the opening match slated for 3 pm on June 4.

The competition which will feature six clubs that emerged first three teams from Group A and B after the end of the abridged league will also feature 3 matches per day starting from 3pm to 9pm from June 4 to June 12. The teams will have one day off before the next game.

The six participating clubs are Enyimba International of Aba, Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars, Akwa United of Uyo, FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi and Lobi Stars of Makurdi

Speaking earlier today in Abuja during the draw which took place at the League Management Company (LMC) Corporate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the LMC Chairrman, Mallam Shehu Dikko explained that the league organizer has decided to adopt the single round robin format for the competition because of the limited time left for Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to present the country’s continental club competitions to the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF).

Dikko also disclosed that Agege Stadium, Lagos was chosen to host the matches because of many considerations including the proposal to put the competition in the television, pointing out that the Super Six will be the showcase of the Nigerian league.

Earlier, the LMC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mallam Salisu Abubakar had explained to the guests including the representatives of the six clubs involved in the Play-Off that the modality adopted for the competition was arrived at after a careful consideration of the time limit and the circumstances surrounding the league.

Sports journalists and representatives of the six clubs were later invited to pick the draws to show the level of transparency the LMC conducts its affairs.

FIXTURES OF THE 2018/2019 NPFL SUPER 6 PLAY-OFF

1- Enyimba vs 2-Enugu Rangers- June 4  (3-5pm)                                                                                                  3-Kano Pillars vs 4- Akwa United-(5-7pm)                                                                                                                  5-FC IfeanyiUba vs 6-Lobi Stars- (7-9pm)