Kano Pillars Begin League Title Defence Away At Heartland; As New Season Kicks Off March 7

Defending champions, Kano Pillars, will begin their defence of the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy, and the quest for a fourth consecutive title against Heartland FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The fixtures for the 2014/2015 NPFL competition, also known as Glo Premier League, were drawn at a ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday evening.

The draws ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton reaffirmed that the Nigerian top-flight league would kick off on March 7 as earlier scheduled, in spite of the upcoming general elections.

In other fixtures, last season’s runners-up and 2014 Federation Cup holders Enyimba International FC of Aba begin the season with a home fixture against to Akwa United FC of Uyo.

There will also be the clash of the newly-promoted sides when Wikki Tourists of Bauchi host the Ibadan-based Shooting Stars FC.

Last season’s Cup finalists, Dolphins of Port Harcourt, will play hosts to Kwara United who are making a return to top-flight football.

The opening day matches will be held on March 7 and March 8.

Below is the full schedule for the 2014/2015 NPFL season in week one:

Enyimba International vs Akwa United

Wikki Tourists vs Shooting Stars

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Nasarawa United

Sharks FC vs Sunshine Stars

Dolphins FC vs Kwara United

Giwa FC vs Abia Warriors

Heartland FC vs Kano Pillars

Bayelsa United vs Lobi Stars

Gabros International FC vs Warri Wolves

FC Taraba vs Rangers International.