The newly refurbished Lafia City Stadium in the capital of Nasarawa State has been selected by the Nigeria National League (NNL) Board to host the opening fixture of the 2023–2024 season.
Originally scheduled to be held at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa-Ibom State, south-south Nigeria, the opening game will now take place in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital.
The leadership of NNL has set Saturday, November 11, 2023, as the new kick-off date for the season. The opening match, often referred to as the “star match,” will feature Nasarawa United (Solid Miners) and Zamfara United (Masu Gari).
Nasarawa United and Zamfara United are both in Group C alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Yobe Desert Stars, Mighty Jets, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, NAF FC of Abuja, ABS of Ilorin, and last year’s Super 8 finalists, EFCC FC of Abuja.
Nasarawa United will be playing under the leadership of their new coach, Usman Adams, who was recently confirmed to take charge after several years of serving as an assistant coach for the Lafia-based side. Zamfara United, on the other hand, will commence their quest for glory under the seasoned coach, Alassan Mohammed.
The Chief Operating Officer of NNL, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman, stated the importance of fair play and adherence to NNL rules and regulations.
He reiterated NNL’s commitment to raising the standard of the league and ensuring a grand opening game. He also revealed that only the match at the Lafia City Stadium will take place on matchday one, with other games scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at approved stadiums for the season, details of which will be communicated in due course.
