2024/2024 NPFL Match Day 1: Lobi Stars get new date for Akwa United FC's clash

Posted : 05 September 2024

The eagerly awaited Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Lobi Stars and Akwa United has undergone a minor shift in schedule. Football enthusiasts have been looking forward to this clash, which marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting 2024/2025 season. However, due to recent developments, the initial schedule has been altered. Lobi Stars, known for their competitive spirit, and Akwa United, a team with strong ambitions, will have to wait just a little longer before taking to the pitch in this high-stakes encounter.

Originally, the NPFL fixture was slated to take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Lafia, the home ground of Lobi Stars. The match was anticipated to kick off the league season in style, with fans gearing up for a thrilling showdown. However, the league's governing body has now confirmed that the match has been rescheduled and will be played on Monday, September 9, 2024. The venue remains unchanged, and the match is set to kick off at 4 PM local time, promising an electrifying atmosphere at the Lafia Township Stadium.

The adjustment in the date and time of the match stems from a major international commitment involving Nigeria's national football team. The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s pride in international football, are scheduled to take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match. This continental showdown is set for Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, making it difficult for the NPFL to proceed with its original schedule.

Given the significance of the Super Eagles' match in the AFCON qualifiers, the NPFL organizers opted to reschedule the Lobi Stars versus Akwa United match to accommodate the national team’s fixture. The league body emphasized the importance of supporting Nigeria’s national team in their quest for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. Fans across the country will be able to focus their attention on the Super Eagles’ performance without missing out on the NPFL season opener, now slated for Monday.

The rescheduling also allows players, officials, and fans to fully engage in both events without any conflicts. Football fans in Nigeria are passionate and heavily invested in both the domestic league and international competitions, so ensuring that they can support both their favorite NPFL clubs and the national team is a priority. This new arrangement ensures that the fans can enjoy a full weekend of football, with the Super Eagles playing on Saturday and the NPFL returning to action on Monday.

For Lobi Stars and Akwa United, the additional preparation time could prove beneficial. Both teams will now have extra days to fine-tune their tactics and address any last-minute concerns ahead of the big match. The teams have been preparing rigorously for the new season, and the slight delay in their opening fixture gives them an opportunity to come into the game even more prepared and focused.

Ultimately, the slight shift in schedule is expected to heighten the anticipation surrounding the match. With the Super Eagles leading the charge in the AFCON qualifiers and the NPFL match between Lobi Stars and Akwa United now rescheduled to Monday, Nigerian football fans are in for an exciting few days of top-tier action. The countdown to the NPFL season opener has begun, and fans will be eagerly watching as these two formidable teams lock horns in what is expected to be an intense and captivating encounter.

2024/2024 NPFL Match Day 1: Lobi Stars get new date for Akwa United FC's clash

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