With the full return of matches on television screens and broadcast streaming platforms, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has turned attention to introducing Friday night matches.
In a memo to the NPFL clubs, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, informed the clubs’ chairmen and chief executives that the night fixtures would be introduced pursuant to cited sections of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
“Pursuant to Section B, Article 4.1 and 13.4 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023/24 season and in conjunction with the CAF Club Licensing procedure, the NPFL wishes to schedule some of its fixtures for Friday night matches,” the memo read.
NPFL matches began streaming through the Propel Sports Africa NPFL-Live on the Over The Top (OTT) platforms at the start of the season while StarTimes began Direct To Home (DTH) broadcasts on November 18.
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The clubs were consequently directed to ensure that all facilities, especially the electric flood lighting are functional.
The NPFL said it would be in communication with selected clubs to ascertain the readiness of their facilities.
“The Nigeria Premier Football League will be in communication with clubs that have been selected for the Friday night matches to make sure that all logistics are in place for a successful fixture schedule,” the memo concluded.
Owumi told NPFL Media that the introduction of Friday night matches is to expand the league value chain by creating a platform to stimulate local businesses in areas where matches will hold.
“Football is a part of the entertainment industry and generally, people get off work on Fridays, hence we want to capture this segment of the weekend market by offering them safe places beyond what they become accustomed to,” the NPFL COO explained.
