Analysis: The rebirth of the Nigerian Premier League
– The 2015/2016 season of the Nigerian Premier League has kicked-off
– It is evident that the local league is beginning to gain attention
– Families are begging to throng match venues for league matches
It was glitz and glamour across different stadia around the country with the return of the Nigerian Premier League.
Apart from the season opener which had for the first time four away wins on the opening day, newly promoted side MFM FC which earlier boasted about becoming the ‘Leicester’ of the Nigerian Premier League went all the way from their base in Lagos to get all three precious points in Lafia, away to Nassarawa United.
MFM FC
However, the most exceptional scenario happened at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, where female referee, Hadiza Musa, did a yeoman’s job as she officiated the match between champions Enyimba and Rivers United.
READ ALSO: NPFL Review: How a newly promoted club crushed Nasarawa United, Enyimba lost to Rivers United
Although, it was not the first time a woman has been at the thick of proceedings in the NPFL, starring a woman for a big game on the opening day has shown class, a campaign-slogan by the League Management Company.
Referee Hadiza Musa (r) and other match officials during the game between Rivers United and Enyimba
No doubt, the emergence of the Social Media has played a major role in buttressing the round-leather game in the most populous black nation in Africa.
On the opening day of the 2015/2016 season, the internet was agog with proceedings at different match venues as the Hashtag #NPFL and #SupportTheNPFL trended for several hours; an indication that more and more Nigerians are beginning to be interested in their teams.
READ ALSO: League champions Enyimba suffer opening day defeat
Match Day One of the NPFL produces 3home wins, 4away victories & 3draws. The game is improving so fast. Thanks to @LMCNPFL #SupportTheNPFL
— Oladimeji Oshode (@OlaThrill) February 21, 2016
With the return of Lagos teams to the elite league, the fan base of the NPFL has increased as the famous Onikan Stadium in Lagos has been brought back to life with Ikorodu United playing from the venue.
Goalkeeper Azamo Azeez in action for Ikorodu United
Just like last season, families are beginning to throng match venues to see live games of local league matches. Women, children, men and all class of individuals in different walks of life are now visiting match venues to catch a glimpse of the re-branded competition.
A cross section of fans, during a Nigerian league game
Little supporters of Rivers United, during ‘their’ match against Enyimba
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