May, 11 2023.
With one round of matches to officially conclude the regular Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Abridged Season, the Interim Management Committee has fixed May 21st as date of the season finalé.
The league body have also moved quickly to rearrange the three outstanding fixtures involving Rivers United.
The three games backlog, were largely due to the involvement of the Pride of River in the 2023 CAF Confederation Cup, until they got knocked out of the competition by Young Africans of Tanzania, at the quarterfinal stage.
Rivers United who were subsequently bundled out of the 2023 National Federation Cup by Enyimba of Aba at the Round of 64, had their NPFL Matchday 15 encounter in Bauchi, against Wikki Tourists, played on Thursday, 11th May 2023, and had to come from behind to grab a 1-1 draw at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
Wikki Tourists blew a first half penalty, but eventually had their noses in front in the 52nd minute, through Victor Okoro, but the reigning NPFL Champions fought back immediately and levelled matters through Albert Korva 15 minutes later, to stay 2nd in Group B, 3 points adrift of Lobi Stars, and with two games still in hand.
Next is Matchday 12 tie versus Sunshine Stars of Akure, which the IMC said will hold on Monday, 15th May 2023 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, starting from 4pm.
Then comes the biggest of them all, the rescheduled Matchday 16 clash against Doma United FC of Gombe, which could potentially decide the teams that will finish in the top 3, and qualify for the season ending Super Six.
The Date for this one is Thursday May 18th, 2023 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Kick-off 4pm.
The reigning NPFL Champions, will then travel to Awka to face resurgent Enugu Rangers on May 21st, 2023 in the season finalé, in Group B.