The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) regular season ended after the conclusion of the Matchday 18 fixtures on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
The NPFL 2022/2023 season has an abridged format due to the delay caused by the nullification of the League's Management Committee (LMC) last year September by the Nigerian government and the creation of an Interim Management Committee chaired by Gbenga Elegbeleye. These developments in the running of the league have yielded positive results going into the Championship round.
Now, the curtains of the abridged Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season have been lowered after 18 weeks of intense football hostilities across the country.
For teams chasing a place in the playoffs and fighting hard to retain their places in the league, stakes were really high going into the last Matchday.
Teams Who've Qualified For the NPFL Super Six
NPFL Group A Teams
Bendel Insurance
The regular season is done and dusted with a point picked in Jos for the second time this season.
With a lot of positives picked in the just concluded season, we look ahead for greater experience in future engagements.
See you in Lagos for the Super Six!
Adaaaaaaaa BENDEL! pic.twitter.com/Eo3GmdjsyN
— Bendel Insurance FC Official (@BendelInsurance) May 21, 2023
The Monday Adigie-led Bendel Insurance capped off an impressive regular NPFL season with no losses. The Benin Arsenal were victorious in 8 games, while 10 matches ended in stalemates. They qualified top of the NPFL Group A Table with 34 points and were the only side in the NPFL regular season to not taste defeat. Will they continue this form going into the Super Six? We'll wait and see.
Remo Stars
Get the 🚌
Book the 🏨The stars are coming for the #NPFL23 Super Six 💃 #WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/ZGtmeqJ81Q
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) May 21, 2023
The Ikenne-based club were the second-best team in Group A, finishing just a point (33) behind Bendel Insurance. Daniel Ogunmodede and his men have had a season to cherish, but their work is far from finished. They'll aim to win the league going into the playoffs. Remo Stars registered nine wins, six draws, and three losses in the 18 matches played en route to the Super Six playoffs.
Enyimba
The two-time CAF Champions League winners squeezed thanks to a valuable point earned away at Shooting Stars on Matchday 18 and a superior goal difference over Akwa United. Finidi George will be pleased with his team making the playoffs. However, more work is needed if they're to emerge as NPFL Champions. Enyimba finished the regular season with 32 points. They had nine wins, five draws and four losses in their 18 NPFL fixtures.
NPFL Group B Teams
Rivers United
A Draw In Awka Was Enough To Ensure Top Spot in Group B And Qualification For The #NPFL23Super6 Ahead
How It Happened 😊https://t.co/2NNAz6W8kE… pic.twitter.com/HURCQy9iXX
— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) May 21, 2023
The Pride of Rivers already made the playoffs before the last Matchday. Nevertheless, they earned a point away from Enugu Rangers. The defending champions qualified top of Group B with 34 points, earned through nine wins and seven draws. Stanley Eguma and his men will now focus on retaining the league, a feat they can achieve.
Lobi Stars
Good Morning #Makurdians
Final preparation for our last @NigeriaPFL match of the regular season completed yesterday.
A short trip to #JTown for our opponents, @WikkiTouristFC.#NPFL23 pic.twitter.com/FBbs8LBT4C
— Lobi Stars FC (@LobiStars) May 21, 2023
Like Rivers United, Lobi Stars already qualified for the playoffs before their skirmish with Wikki Tourists. The Makurdi-based club came second-best in Group B. They accumulated 30 points thanks to nine wins and three draws.
Sunshine Stars
Sunshine Stars of Akure is the last team who made the cut in Group B. The Edith Agoye-led side qualified on the last day by putting already relegated Dakkada FC to the sword at home in a match that ended 3-0. The win took Sunshine Stars up to 27 points, having won seven, drawn six and lost five of their 18 NPFL fixtures.
The heavyweight Super Six Championship showdown will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos, between June 3rd and 11th. The six teams will play one another. The NPFL side with the highest point tally after the skirmishes will be crowned Champions of the NPFL 2022/2023 season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 days ago
