Intrigues, passion, tactical approaches, as 2023/2024 NPFL sets to light up football activities in Nigeria

With the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) gearing up to light up the stadiums across the country, this piece tends to look at the odds and events that may play out with each of the 20 teams participating in the league.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is the highest in the hierarchy of leagues in Nigeria. It was previously known as the "Nigeria Premier League" in 1993–2000 then between 2003 and 2013.

It has also been known as the "Nigerian Premiership" (2000–2003); "Nigerian Professional League" (1990–1993); Nigerian National League - First Division (1979–1990) and "the (Nigerian) National League" or "Nigerian Football League" (1972–1979) and more recently "Nigeria Professional Football League" (2014–2023).

The league has produced 21 different winners which are Enyimba International FC of Aba with a record of 9 titles, (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2022–23).

Rangers International FC of Enugu with 7 titles (1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 2016), Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan with five titles (1976, 1980, 1983, 1995, 1998), Heartland FC of Owerri with five titles (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993).

Kano Pillars FC followed with four titles (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014), Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt with three (1997, 2004, 2011), Bendel Insurance of Benin two (1973, 1979), Julius Berger FC of Lagos also two titles (1991, 2000).

Others that have one title are Lobi Stars of Markurdi (1999), BCC Lions of Gboko, (1994), Stationary Stores of Lagos (1992), Leventis United FC of Ibadan, (1986), Plateau United FC of Jos (2017), Bayelsa United FC (2009), Ocean Boys FC of Brass (2006), Udoji United FC of Awka (1996), New Nigerian Bank of Benin (1985), Racca Rovers of Kano (1978), Akwa United FC (2021), Rivers United (2022), while the inaugural league was won by Mighty Jets of Jos in 1972.

With the last season's NPFL adopting the abridged format, this year's league will be the normal marathon league of 38 matches.

There are new entrants to the 2023/2024 NPFL such as the new kid on the block, Sporting Lagos FC, while the rest are returnees after learning the various lessons in the lower NNL league such as Heartland FC, Kano Pillars FC and Katsina FC.

Enyimba International FC
Arguably the most successful clubside in Nigeria with two back-to-back CAF Champions League and officially 9-time winners, Enyimba International FC of Aba were crowned champions of the 2022/2023 NPFL season.

The People's Elephant, owned and managed by Abia State government, achieved the feat in Lagos courtesy the NPFL Super Six Play-offs.

A 1-1 draw at the last match of the playoffs with Rivers United saw the club finish on top of the championship table with 9 points, edging Remo Stars and United with superior goal difference.

Going into the final round of matches, the Finidi George’s men needed only a point to increase their haul of league trophies and they did just that with a gritty performance to deny Rivers United a chance at retaining the title.

Enyimba is considered the most successful football club in Nigeria, winning more titles than any other team while the triumph reinforces the position of the club as Nigeria’s football powerhouse.

Will Enyimba International FC's dream to win the gong for the 10th time at the end of the campaign be a reality? Maybe or maybe not.

Although the odds favour Enyimba International FC with their pedigree and status in the league, things may turn around for the team as the team this time around lacks continuity, most of the players that won the league for the Aba Greats have left the club due to one reason or the other while there are other injury concerns in the team.

Players such as Eze Ekwutoziam suffered a groin injury, while Lagos-based MFM FC import and pacy winger, Elijah Akanni is just recovering from the groin strain that kept him out of the concluding part of last season, but suffered a fresh injury to his groin in preseason and has been ruled out for a few weeks.

Pascal Eze did not participate in the team’s preseason activities with a thigh injury and has not made the trip to Benghazi for the CAF Champions League which Enyimba International FC were eventually knocked out from.

Another player, Tosin Adegbite remains sidelined after suffering an ACL injury last year. The Nigerian youth international has, however, continued to inch closer to his return and is currently undergoing physiotherapy.

MacBen Otika has made progressive strides on his way to recovery but has yet to return to full training with the rest of the squad. The defender is expected to continue his rehabilitation as he works towards his comeback.

Aside the injury list, Enyimba FC also released 11 players after the 2022/23 football season, which saw the People’s Elephants emerge champions of the NPFL for the ninth time.

Goalkeeper and former captain, John Noble has left after the expiration of his contract to join a Tanzanian club, Tabora FC, just as Emeka Obioma highest goal scorer last season has since pitched his tent with Esperance of Tunisia.

Also, Philip Ozor. and other players have left following the expiration of their contracts are: Chigozie Obasi, Adekunle Adeleke, Fatai Abdullahi, Samuel Kalu, and Sadiq Abubakar.

Transfers in Enyimba International FC
IN
1. Anthony Okachi (Forward) – Shooting Stars
2. Ogbu Ogechukwu (Midfielder) – Sunshine Stars
OUT
1. John Noble (Goalkeeper) – Tabora United (Tanzania)
2. Emeka Obioma
3. Philip Ozor
4. Chigozie Obasi
5. Adekunle Adeleke David (midfielder) – Rivers United
6. Fatai Abdullahi (Defender) – Rivers United
7. Samuel Kalu
8. Sadiq Abubakar
9. Moses Omoduemuke
10. Ademola Adebambo (Winger) – Katsina United
11. Othuke Egbo.

Young forward, Adiele Eriugo will be offered a professional contract after impressing in his debut season in the top flight.

Eriugo, a product of the Enyimba youth system, was registered as a youth player in the just concluded season following eye-catching displays for the B team.

The youngster made his senior debut in the 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in March and became a constant feature in Finidi George team afterwards, going on to score the first goal of the NPFL Championship Playoff as Enyimba proceeded to clinch their ninth league crown.

The gangling forward is now queued to be rewarded for his fine performances, with a professional contract set to be signed in the coming days.

However Enyimba International FC have gone through major clear out without much replacement due to rebuilding and this was one of the reasons pundits believed was responsible their exit the CAF Champions League at the preliminary stage of the competition.

Another problem might be if the squad still harbours the same hunger after feasting on the League's silverware last season.

The hope of Enyimba International FC winning the league this season is dicey, maybe 7/10.

Abia Warriors 
Abia Warriors FC, the second team from Abia State after Enyimba International FC narrowly lost the Super Six playoffs qualifications coincidentally to their sister club Enyimba International FC, by goal difference.

The modest club have been trying to gain much popularity, but they most likely will  struggle under the shadows of Enyimba International FC for now; although the newly appointed coach, Erasmus Onu has been talking tough; he is not considered to be in the rank of those that have won the Nigerian league before, so experience may or may not count as Enyimba International FC's Coach Finidi George also won the league in his first attempt.

The Ochendo Boys have not been active in the transfer market as only one player has been reportedly left the club in person on Kalu Nweke a pacy Midfielder who left for Rangers International FC.

Maybe the club's urge  to fight for the title as said by  coach Onu is responsible for their inactivity in the transfer windows for continuity sake, which is of great advantage.

The odds for Abia Warriors wining the league is 5/10

Akwa United 
The club owned by oil rich state of Akwa Ibom is a potential challenger to the 2023/2024 NPFL crown given their pedigree.

Perhaps in pursuance of this, the club had to engage the services of another experience coach who had once coached top teams in the league in person of Fatai Osho, a former coach of high flying Remo Stars FC.

The Promise Keepers who are the champions of the 2021 also missed out of the Super Six playoffs by whiskers and will want to try out their best to at least qualify for the continental football as they have made significant progress since joining the ranks of the elite league clubs.

Major singing could also be a determinant for the club which will largely be influenced by how much the state government is willing to part with in funding the club.

The Promise Keepers only allowed two of it's players to leave without any replacement. Those that left included a right back, Taiye Murtala who made a return to his former club, Shooting Stars and winger, Moses Effiong who joined Katsina United FC.

The Akwa United FC's coach, Osho drawing from the preparations ahead of the new season has said that the camping exercise was an opportunity for the players to bond and learn something that will help them perform at their optimum level when the season begins.

Osho said he was delighted with the level of progress the team had made in course of the ten days closed camping. 

"We have been able to bond well with all the players and the officials. It was a good outing for the team; we were able to concentrate and pay more attention to all the programmes we lined up."

The odds for Akwa United to win the league is 7/10

Bayelsa United FC
The Restoration Boys are truly the dark horse of the league campaign, but they cannot be totally ruled out as they did won the league title in 2009 against all odds.

Bayelsa United owned by Bayelsa State government have only beefed up the areas they think they are lacking which includes Osagie Onisodumeya, a Goalkeeper from Rivers Utd and Yinusa Sheriff, a Centre-Back from Remo Stars

Bayelsa United last season were not so impressive as they were placed just a point above the relegation waters.

Bayelsa United coach Tiebowei Diepreye will have to do everything out of ordinary to win the 2023/2024 league is they ever think of challenging for the crown.

The odds for Bayelsa United FC is 4/10

Bendel Insurance
Last year's almost invincible club will hope to continue from where they left it during their last campaign. For a club that just gained promotion from the lower league to maintain an unbeatable run throughout the abridged league is fascinating enough.

Although, the Benin Arsenals funded out of the Edo State government purse are not a greenhorse of domestic football in Nigeria, they had their fortune dwindled in the past years as they were relegated from the elite league.

However, after the lessons have been learnt, the team came back firing on all cylinders and therewith maintained the most decent defence all through the 2022/2023 campaign by allowing fewer goals.

Bendel Insurance last season was able to garner 26 games unbeaten run in all competition to erase the former records.

It was Rivers United that ended Bendel Insurance’s 26-game unbeaten streak, defeating them 2-1 in a NPFL Super Six.

The Benin-based side had the longest unbeaten run, 21 in the Nigeria Premier Football League going into the game to erase the record set by Akwa United in 2020/2021 season which stood at 18.

The Monday Osagie-tutored team are still waxing stronger after winning the Federation Cup and now representing Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup by winning their first match via penalties in style in an away match of the return leg to a tough opponent, ASO Chief of Algeria.

Bendel Insurance's campaign in 2023/2024 season might be an interesting one largely due to the recent activities of the club.

As the Benin Arsenal have been successful in getting a continental ticket. They were the surprise package of the NPFL 2022/23 season. Their Federation Cup victory over Enugu Rangers helped them to the CAF Confederation Cup ticket. They have had to fortify their squad ahead of the challenge signing good players.

IN
1. Ezekiel Tamara (Midfield) – Shooting Stars
2. Kester Oahimijie (Midfield) – Shooting Stars
3. David Obiazo (Goalkeeper) – El-Kanemi Warriors
4. Paul Obata (Left-Winger) – Gombe United
OUT
1. Echeta Ugonna Deputy (Left-Winger) – Rivers United

The odds for Bendel Insurance wining the league stands at 8/10

Doma United
Doma United is an average club without much ambition to win the league or compete against well-placed teams in the league.

Funds for funds, Doma United are not among the elites that can dominate the football scene. Although, Doma United FC were one of the most improved clubsides last season, inexperience cost them a place in the NPFL Super Six thereby missing out three matches away from the last qualification fixtures.

The Savannah Tiger's Top 3 pursuit in Group B of the abridged 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League suffered a huge blow just two matches to the close, no thanks to a 2-0 defeat in the hands of Rivers United in a rescheduled match-day 16 game in Port Harcourt.

With Pantami Stadium as a fortress, Doma United may just have to campaign averagely in the league with their coach Akinade Onigbinde having little to fight for or rather a high target from his employer, Gombe state government.

Also, Doma United have not been active in the transfer windows as no player has reportedly left or news of the club signing another player.

Doma United FC's odds of winning league is 4/10.

Gombe United
Gombe United also funded by Gombe State government, the sister club of Doma United is another club without much urge to win the league.

The Jewels of Savannah will be under a new management and a coach well known to the club, Muhammad Babaganaru, might retain their former status in the league as average club.

The decision of the club to let its pacy left winger, Paul Obata to leave for Bendel Insurance without a known replacement have been queried by pundits as he was the pointman of the club last season.

The odds for Gombe United winning the league is 4/10

Heartland FC 
The Nazi Millionaires owned by Imo State government, is another  NPFL returnee but,  one of the most successful clubsides in Nigeria with astonishing five league titles.

Heartland Football Club of Owerri showcased why they are the traditional clubsides in Nigeria with dominance in the 2023 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Eight Competition, thereby emerging as the well-deserved champions.

The Nazi Millionaires enjoyed a thrilling finals at the illustrious Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, where they orchestrated a remarkable triumph over Kano Pillars FC, securing a resounding 2-0 victory to emerged 2022/2023 NNL winners.

Coming back to a familiar terrain in NPFL might not be a difficult ground for Heartland FC, but how they will fare remains uncertain for now. Or rather put, will they put up a strong challenge just as Bendel Insurance FC'S run last season is aa question that may be rhetorical.

The club seems to still be in holiday mood aside some Pre-Season matches where they showed glimpses of attractions, but yet, the club has not engaged in any transfer market dealings.

Odds are 5/10.

Kano Pillars
Another powerhouse club in Nigeria and a returnee to the NPFL after a two-years sorjorn in the lower league is Kano Pillars.

The Kano State owned Sai Mai Gida, four-times winner of the NPFL may not be ready for league's contest yet, but surely they may end up in the top four team at the end of 2023/2024 season.

Under a new coach Abdul Maikaba who is a former helmsman, the newly promoted Kano Pillars will look to maintain their position in the NPFL this season and have recruited in critical areas.
IN
1. Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga (Forward) – Plateau United
2. Abubakar Ibrahim Babawo (Right-Back)
3. Abubakar Aliyu (Forward) – Wikki Tourists
4. Anthony Ohaegbu (Defender) – Rivers United

The odds for Kano Pillars winning the league is 6/10.

Katsina United FC
Another club from Northwest and neighborhood clubside to Kano Pillars. Katsina United forays in the elite league have not been an exciting journey as the team has just qualified for continental actions once in their lifetime.

The Changi Boys got relegated last season and quickly made a dash back to the elite league. This does not translate much to a high intensity rivalries with the traditional clubsides that boasts of better funding and structures.

The Changi Boys also changed the coaching crew and now have a new gaffer in person of Tony Bolus a former Technical Adviser of MFM FC.

Katsina United FC with Katsina State government budget have so far recruited 10 into their ranks ahead of the new season.
IN
1. Pius Ibrahim (goalkeeper) – Plateau United
2. Saidu Hamisu (goalkeeper) – USGN FC (Niger)
3. Moses Effiong (Winger) – Akwa United
4. Sunday Akinmoladun (Defender) – Niger Tornadoes
5. Chris Madaki (Left-Back) – Nasarawa United
6. Mike Ibe Okoro (Midfielder) – Enugu Rangers
7. Ademola Adebambo (Winger) – Enyimba
8. Lawrence Edward
9. Yunusa (Winger) – Niger Tornadoes
10. Anas Hassan – Lobi Stars
OUT
1. Samson Lawal (Midfielder) – Livingstone FC (Scotland)
2. Faisal Sani (Left-Back) – Al Wahda (Oman)
3. Bolaji Sakin – AS Otoho (Congo)

One good thing is that Katsina United FC although funded by the state government, have more funds as three of it's players were able to secure deals outside Nigeria, so the transfers are in foreign exchange advantage.

Katsina United FC's odds of winning the league is 5/10

Kwara United
The Kwara State government-funded Harmony Boys showed some high level of ambitions about two seasons ago by appointing a foreign coach, but last season's campaign was not much palatable as they lost their ground, Ilorin Township Stadium to renovations while they became a journeyman team moving from one centre to another in search of home matches.

Kwara United FC first played in Ibadan before relocating to Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode while they eventually had their last match at Akure Township Stadium where they escaped relegation by whiskers on the last match day.

The Kabiru Dogo-tutored team have signed only two players so far, while letting three players leave.
IN
1. Oluwatosin Bamidele (Right-Winger) – Rahbam FC
2. Isaiah Ejeh (Defender) – Mjällby AIF
OUT
1. Jide Fatokun (Midfield) – Remo Stars
2. Samad Kadiri (Forward )- Remo Stars
3. Sani Faisal (Left-Back) – Al-Wahda SC

Kwara United FC have 5/10 odds.

Lobi Stars FC of Markurdi
Another state government funded clubside, Lobi Stars have enjoyed a steady rise in  the football fraternity in Nigeria.

A one time winners of the league (1999), Lobi Stars FC are not pushovers as they did qualified and played in the last season's NPFL Super Six in Lagos.

What stands Lobi Stars out is that the team has good structures and astute manager in person of a veteran of the game Mr Dominic lorfa.

The Pride of Benue remains a team to beat anyday under a new Chief Coach, Abubakar Bala a veteran in the game as well.

Lobi Stars have been silent in the transfer windows after loosing their veteran defender, Emeka Obiora to  Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

The Pride of Benue have 5/10 odds of winning the league.

Niger Tornadoes
The Niger State funded Ikon Allah Boys are also considered an average clubside in the league.

The modest club fiercest campaign was climaxed in the year 2000 when they won the FA Cup, but have had their fortunes dippied afterwards.

The club under a new coach, Hamza Abara will have to buckle up in order to be able to confront other well-funded clubsides in the coming 2023/2024 season.

Niger Tornadoes have yet to define their involvements in the transfer windows to the knowledge of the public.

The odds of winning the league is 3/10.

Plateau United FC 
The Peace Boys is one of the powerhouse of the league, and therefore all eyes will also be on them to better their last season's performances.

With a renewed support from the state government, Plateau United FC have no excuse not to push for the league title again after winning it last in the year 2107.

Now under an ex-player as coach, Mbwas Mangut, the Peace Boys will need to prove the doubters wrong about their form.

However, Plateau United FC have been in the transfer market for the wrong reasons this season as they have let go of many players more than their recorded signings.

Some players that have left after the departure of their working coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu includes:
1. Ibrahim Abubakar (Right-Back) – Kano Pillars
2. Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga (Forward) – Kano Pillars
3. Raymond Tochukwu (Midfield) – Remo Stars
4. Anozie Chinedu (Goalkeeper) – Shooting Stars
5. Pius Ibrahim (goalkeeper) -Katsina United.
IN:
Pam Samuel - Rangers International FC

It's 7/10 odds for Plateau United FC to win the league.

Rangers International FC
The Flying Antelopes are considered as the second most successful clubside in Nigeria due to their cabinet of trophies.

The Flying Antelopes five-time winners are ambitious enough this season to appoint an experienced coach in person of Fidelis Ilechukwu who has once guided a modest team MFM FC to a continental football actions and have since seen his profile rise among the well-respected coaches in Nigeria.

The newly sworn in governor of Enugu State has promised that the abandoned Cathedral which had been the fortress of Rangers International FC would be repaired so that the team can return to the state to play their home matches. Before now, the Flying Antelopes have been playing their home matches in Awka, some kilometers far from their home ground due to the unpalatable situation of the state-owned stadium.

In the transfer windows, Rangers International FC of Enugu have so far secured the services of eight players.

1. Kalu Nweke (Midfielder) – Abia Warriors
2. Malachi Ohawume (Forward) – Rivers United.
3. Japheth Opubo (Goalkeeper) - Sunshine Stars
4. Stephen Ikenna (Right back) - Rivers United
5. Isaac Saviour (Midfield) Vandrezzer FC.
6. Emmanuel Jonas (Forward) - Niger Tornadoes 
7. Ifeanyi Ogba (Forward) - Akwa United
8. Kazeem Ogunleye (Midfield) Plateau United FC
OUT
1. John Uche Akubueze (Defender) – Rivers United
2. Asiegbu Shedrack (Midfielder) – Rivers United
3. Ibe Okoro (Midfielder) – Katsina United
4. Pam Samuel - Plateau United 
5. Ebuka Anthony - Akwa United.
6. Ilechukwu Eboko
among others.

Plateau United FC have a 7/10 odds of winning the league.

Remo Stars
The privately owned Sky Blue Stars remains one of the well-structured clubsides in Nigeria. The club owned by an astute entrepreneur and betting company owner, Bet9ja and ValueJet remains a club to beat this season.

Remo Stars is one of the most feared clubsides in Nigeria and now, the team has shown enough intensity and determination especially last year when they surprisingly upstage other clubs to claim runners up of the league after the NPFL Super Six playoffs in Lagos.

Coming to the new season, Remo Stars have been one of the most busiest clubsides in the transfer windows grabbing 14 players.

Players signed includes.
1. Jide Fatokun (Midfield) – Kwara United
2. Victor Collins (Defender) – Nasarawa United
3. Habib Yakub (Right-Back) – Sunshine Stars
4. Samad Kadiri (Forward) – Kwara United
5. Dela Akorli (Forward) – Kotoku Royals
6. Alimi Sikiru (Forward) – Shooting Stars
7. Fabian Nworie Maduabuchi (Defender) – Rivers United
8. Nnaemeka Achi (Midfield) – Sunshine Stars
9. Imo Ikemdinachi – Left-Back – Sunshine Stars
10. Yinusa Sheriff (Defender) – Bayelsa Utd
12. Raymond Tochukwu (Midfield) – Plateau United
13. Isaac James Ogiri (Midfield) – Nasarawa United
14. Abraham Marcus (Left Winger) – FC Porto B
OUT
1. Junior Lokosa (Forward) – Sporting Lagos
2. Godwin Odibo (Right Winger) – Sporting Lagos
3. Morufdeen Moshood (Forward) – Leixões (Portugal)
4. Monsuru Bashiru (Defender)
5. Edidiong Ezekiel Enobong (Forward)
6. Awoyemi Abiodun (Right-Back)

It's 8/10 odds for Remo Stars FC.

Rivers United
The Pride of Rivers having  been enjoying a deep purse affairs with the Rivers State government that have been dangling carrots of mouthwatering rewards for winning their matches.

Obviously, the state owned Rivers United FC will continue to enjoy the state funds to manage the affairs of the club.

Fortunately, Rivers United have qualified for the second round of CAF Confederation Cup but it remains unclear if the continental campaign won't be a distraction with the experience of the last season when the Stanley Eguma-tutored team only picked up after their exist from the same CAF Confederation Cup.

Rivers United FC this year should therewith harbour a greater hope of wining the league that eluded them by whiskers last season when they needed a straight win over the eventual winners, Enyimba International FC, but only settled for a draw.

With bag-full of funds, Rivers United have been busy in the transfer windows as well.

Rivers Utd has signed several players and let others go in preparation for their continental campaign. After a strong finish in the regular season, they fell short in the NPFL Super Six Playoffs, where they finished third.

In
1. Deputy Echeta (forward) – Bendel Insurance
2. John Uche Akubueze (defender) – Enugu Rangers
3. Ebedebiri Endurance (defender) – Bayelsa Utd
4. Yao Kouassi Bernard (Forward) – TS Galaxy
5. Fatai Abdullahi (Midfielder) – Enyimba
6. Adeleke Adekunle David (Defender) – Enyimba
7. Asiegbu Shedrack (Midfielder) – Enugu Rangers
8. Samuel Antwi (Right Winger) – King Faisal (Ghana)
9. Osy Martins
Out
1. Morice Chukwu (Forward) – Singida Fountain Gate FC
2. Darlington Ovunda (Goalkeeper) – Shooting Stars
3. Malachi Ohawume (Forward) – Enugu Rangers
4. Fabian Nworie Maduabuchi (Defender) – Remo Stars FC
5. Muyiwa Adeola Fehintola (Right-Back) – Coton Sport FC (Benin)
6. Osagie Onisodumeya (Goalkeeper) – Bayelsa United
7. Paul Odeh (Left Winger) – Wikki Tourists
8. Augustine Okejepha (Midfielder) – Kano Pillars

Rivers United FC have 8/10 odds.

Shooting Stars
The Oluyole Warriors is definitely one of the oldest surviving clubs in the league and also have a rich history winning the league in a record of five titles.

Recently, the Oyo State government-owned club (Shooting Stars) have been experiencing dip in form. The club last challenge for any title came in 1998 when they won the league which is about 25 years ago.

However in the past few years, Shooting Stars have gone to relegation twice and when they are in the league, they barely made it to the top five.

Although Shooting Stars now have a more experience manager, in person of Gbenga Ogunbote, unfolding dramas will show if the club will contest for the top NPFL price or rather chase continental football tickets.

Shooting Stars this season have been one of the busiest team in the transfer windows as well.
Ii
1. Darlington Ovunda (Goalkeeper) – Rivers United
2.  Daddy Abdulrahman (Midfield) – El-Kanemi Warriors
3. Taiye Murtala (Right-Back) – Akwa United
4. Olamide Benjamin Ogunbajo (Midfield) – Al-Hilal
5. Emeka Obiora (Defender) – Lobi Stars
6. Anozie Chinedu (goalkeeper) – Plateau United
7. Michael Enaruma (Defender)
8. Abdulkareem Mumuni (Forward)
9. Oke Kayode Solomon (Forward) – Crown FC
10. Anayo Ogbonna (Forward) – Gombe United
11. Olamilekan Oderinde – 3SC Team B
13. Gbolagade Odelowo (Defender)
14. Babatunde Gbolahan
15. Ambrose Ogundahunsola
Out
1. Ezekiel Tamara (Midfield) – Bendel Insurance
2. Kester Oahimijie (Midfield) – Bendel Insurance
3. Alimi Sikiru (Forward) – Remo Stars
4. Dabani Godwin Alao (Forward) – Karamone FC

Sporting Lagos
Another revelation of the year, Sporting Lagos FC have surpassed all expectations this year when they stormed into the football arena in Nigeria.

Little known about two or three years ago, Sporting Lagos FC is now an household name especially with winning the Naija Super 8 Pre season competition in Lagos.

The club is privately owned by another sports investor, Mr Shola Akinlade – Co-Founder/CEO of Paystack, Nigeria's leading online payment platform.

What the team can do is already evident in their last performances so far, but playing a 38 league matches needs experience and perseverance.

Although Sporting Lagos FC are still new in the business of elite league, the team have a Chairman who is an astute administrator, someone who knows how the league works in person of veteran journalist, Godwin Ehakena.

Sporting Lagos FC have been busy in the transfer market as well.
 In
1. Ekene Nero Olisema (Forward) – Warri Wolves
2. Jonathan Alukwu (Left Winger) – Heartland FC
3. Junior Lokosa (Forward) – Remo Stars
4. Godwin Odibo (Right Winger) – Remo Stars
5. Chisom Ngomere (Midfield) – Sunshine Stars
OUT
1. Abiodun Odunayo Taiwo
2. Akanni Akeem
3. Daniel Onah
4. Daniel Simon
5. Godswill Taro
6. Oluwayemi Afere
7. Raji Usman
8. Temidayo Okanlawon
9. Ugochukwu Okafor
10. Wisdom Samuel
11. Kalu Chukwuemeka

Sporting Lagos FC is on 7/10 to win the league

Sunshine Stars
Sunshine Stars of Akure participation in the league this season to contest for another continental glory is hanging in the balance as the club has failed to show the required intensity.

The Akure Gunners will need extra effort to lift the league's trophy if they are able to have a place in the top four.

The few unavailable signing of the club have been dwarfed by the clear outs which included

1. Habib Yakub (Right-Back) – Remo Stars
2. Nnaemeka Achi (Midfield) – Remo Stars
3. Imo Ikemdinachi (Left-Back) – Remo Stars
4. Chisom Ngomere (Midfield) – Sporting Lagos
5. Aaron Wande (Midfield) – FC Cilicia (Armenia)
6. Ogbu Ogechukwu (Midfield) – Enyimba

Sunshine Stars of Akure have 4/10 odds to win the 2023/2024 NPFL.