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{{short description|Nigeria Professional Football League season}}
{{short description|Nigeria Professional Football League season}}
{{Infobox football league season
{{Infobox football league season
| image = Nigeria Professional Football League logo.png
| image =
| competition = [[Nigeria Professional Football League]]
| competition = [[Nigeria Professional Football League]]
| season = 2019–2020
| season = 2019–2020
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| promoted = {{ubl|[[Dakkada F.C.|Dakkada]]|[[Warri Wolves F.C.|Warri Wolves]]|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]]|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]}}
| promoted = {{ubl|[[Dakkada F.C.|Dakkada]]|[[Warri Wolves F.C.|Warri Wolves]]|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]]|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]}}


| relegated =
| relegated = None
| relegation =
| relegation =
| continentalcup1 = [[2020–21 CAF Champions League|Champions League]]
| continentalcup1 = [[2020–21 CAF Champions League|Champions League]]
| continentalcup1 qualifiers = {{ubl|[[Plateau United]]|[[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]]}}
| continentalcup1 qualifiers = {{ubl|[[Plateau United]]|[[Enyimba]]}}


| continentalcup2 = [[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup|Confederation Cup]]
| continentalcup2 = [[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup|Confederation Cup]]
| continentalcup2 qualifiers = {{ubl|[[Enyimba]]|[[Kano Pillars]]}}
| continentalcup2 qualifiers = {{ubl|[[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]]|[[Kano Pillars]]}}
| matches = 246
| matches = 246
| total goals = 494
| total goals = 494
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}}
}}
The '''2019–2020 [[Nigerian Professional Football League|Nigeria Professional Football League]]''' was the 49th season of the top-flight division of the [[Nigerian football league system]] and the 30th season since its rebranding as the
The '''2019–2020 [[Nigerian Professional Football League|Nigeria Professional Football League]]''' was the 49th season of the top-flight division of the [[Nigerian football league system]] and the 30th season since its rebranding as the
'Professional League'. The league started on 3 November 2019 but was cancelled in July due to the effects of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]] with no champions and no teams relegated. [[Enyimba International F.C.|Enyimba]] are the defending champions, after winning the Super 6 play-offs the [[2019 Nigeria Professional Football League|previous season]]
'Professional League'. The league started on 3 November 2019 but was cancelled in July due to the effects of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]] with no champions and no teams relegated. [[Enyimba International F.C.|Enyimba]] were the defending champions, after winning the Super 6 play-offs the [[2019 Nigeria Professional Football League|previous season]]


The league was initially halted on 18 March 2020 following a decision by the League Management Company to suspend the league due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]]<ref>{{cite news | title=COVID-19: LMC suspends Nigeria Professional Football League till further notice | url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/coronavirus-lmc-suspends-nigeria-professional-football-league-till-further-notice/ | work=Busybuddies | date= 18 March 2020}}</ref> with no decision made on the league's resumption.
The league was initially halted on 18 March 2020 following a decision by the League Management Company to suspend the league due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]]<ref>{{cite news | title=COVID-19: LMC suspends Nigeria Professional Football League till further notice | url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/coronavirus-lmc-suspends-nigeria-professional-football-league-till-further-notice/ | work=Busybuddies | date= 18 March 2020}}</ref> with no decision made on the league's resumption.
On 10 July 2020 however, the league was cancelled by the [[Nigeria Football Federation|NFF]] for the second time in three seasons (after the [[2018 Nigeria Professional Football League|2018]] season ended in a similar way), following an online meeting between its executive committee and the league board with no champions and no relegation or promotion from the [[Nigeria National League|National League]], and stopped at Matchday 25.<ref>{{cite news|title= 2019/20 NPFL season cancelled with no promotion or relegation |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/coronavirus-2019-20-npfl-season-cancelled-without-promotion/1kfn26pkx04qu1bnce40tqqipa |publisher= [[Goal.com]] |date= 10 July 2020}}</ref>
On 10 July 2020 however, the league was cancelled by the [[Nigeria Football Federation|NFF]] for the second time in three seasons (after the [[2018 Nigeria Professional Football League|2018]] season ended in a similar way), following an online meeting between its executive committee and the league board with no champions and no relegation or promotion from the [[Nigeria National League|National League]], and stopped at Matchday 25.<ref>{{cite news|title= 2019/20 NPFL season cancelled with no promotion or relegation |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/coronavirus-2019-20-npfl-season-cancelled-without-promotion/1kfn26pkx04qu1bnce40tqqipa |publisher= [[Goal.com]] |date= 10 July 2020}}</ref>


As a result of this, the league's representatives at the continental competitions next season were decided by the [[Points per game|PPG system]] which created confusion and disagreement among the teams as [[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]] refused to accept their [[CAF Confederation Cup]] initially given to them. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclsports.com/npfl-lmc-publishes-final-league-classification/ |title= LMC publishes final league classification|work=aclsports.com|date= 8 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="RIV">{{cite web|url=https://bsnsports.com.ng/ppg-rivers-united-threaten-to-approach-fifa-caf-cas-over-champions-league-slot/|title=Rivers United threaten to approach FIFA,10 CAF and CAS over Champions league slot|work=bsnsports.com|date=9 August 2020}}</ref>.
As a result of this, the league's representatives at the continental competitions next season were decided by the [[Points per game|PPG system]], which created confusion and disagreement among the teams as [[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]] refused to accept their [[CAF Confederation Cup]] spot initially given to them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclsports.com/npfl-lmc-publishes-final-league-classification/ |title= LMC publishes final league classification|work=aclsports.com|date= 8 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="RIV">{{cite web|url=https://bsnsports.com.ng/ppg-rivers-united-threaten-to-approach-fifa-caf-cas-over-champions-league-slot/|title=Rivers United threaten to approach FIFA,10 CAF and CAS over Champions league slot|work=bsnsports.com|date=9 August 2020}}</ref>


Based on the points per game system, [[Plateau United FC|Plateau United]] and [[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]] will represent the country at the [[2020–21 CAF Champions League]] while [[Enyimba]] will participate at the [[CAF Confederation Cup]], since the [[2020 Aiteo Cup|2020 Federation Cup]] was cancelled, [[Kano Pillars]], the [[2019 Aiteo Cup|2019 Federation Cup]] champions, will take the second [[CAF Confederation Cup]] spot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://africanfootball.com/news/779344/Kano-Pillars-excited-for-continental-return|title= Kano Pillars excited for continental return|work=Africanfootball.com|accessdate= 11 August 2020}}</ref>
Based on the points per game system, [[Plateau United FC|Plateau United]] and [[Enyimba]] will represent the country at the [[2020–21 CAF Champions League]] while [[Rivers United FC|Rivers United]] will participate at the [[CAF Confederation Cup]], since the [[2020 Aiteo Cup|2020 Federation Cup]] was cancelled, [[Kano Pillars]], the [[2019 Aiteo Cup|2019 Federation Cup]] champions, will take the second [[CAF Confederation Cup]] spot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://africanfootball.com/news/779344/Kano-Pillars-excited-for-continental-return|title= Kano Pillars excited for continental return|work=Africanfootball.com|accessdate= 11 August 2020}}</ref>


==Teams==
==Teams==
The league consisted of 20 teams, the 4 promoted teams from the [[Nigeria National League]] and the remaining 16 teams from the [[2019 Nigeria Professional Football League|previous season]]. On 28 November, [[Kwara United F.C.|Kwara United]] bought [[Delta Force F.C.|Delta Force's]] slot and replaced them in the league.<ref>{{cite news| title=Kwara United buys Delta Force's slot in the NPFL | url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/kwara-united-return-to-npfl-while-delta-force-are-relegated/1imc43cll4cbh16wopk8u2p4ps |work=Goal.com |date=28 November 2019}}</ref>
The league consisted of 20 teams, the 4 promoted teams from the [[Nigeria National League]] and the remaining 16 teams from the [[2019 Nigeria Professional Football League|previous season]]. On 28 November, [[Kwara United F.C.|Kwara United]] bought [[Delta Force F.C.|Delta Force's]] slot and replaced them in the league.<ref>{{cite news| title=Kwara United buys Delta Force's slot in the NPFL | url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/kwara-united-return-to-npfl-while-delta-force-are-relegated/1imc43cll4cbh16wopk8u2p4ps |work=Goal.com |date=28 November 2019}}</ref>
<!-- Use the same name as the article name. Only use sponsored names where there is no alternative. -->
<!-- Use the same name as the article name. Only use sponsored names where there is no alternative. -->
:''Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.''
:''Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.''
Line 68: Line 68:
|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]
|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]
|[[Yola, Adamawa|Yola]]
|[[Yola, Adamawa|Yola]]
|[[Pantami Stadium]]{{efn|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]] played their home matches at [[Pantami Stadium]], [[Gombe, Gombe|Gombe]] instead of their regular home stadium [[Ribadu Square Stadium]], [[Yola, Adamawa|Yola]] as it didn't meet LMC's stadium's requirements.}}
|[[Pantami Stadium]]{{efn|[[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]] played their home matches at [[Pantami Stadium]], [[Gombe, Gombe|Gombe]] instead of their regular home stadium [[Ribadu Square Stadium]], [[Yola, Adamawa|Yola]] as it didn't meet LMC's stadium requirements}}
|-
|-
|[[Akwa United F.C.]]
|[[Akwa United F.C.]]
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|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]]
|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]]
|[[Dutse]]
|[[Dutse]]
|[[Sani Abacha Stadium]]{{efn|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]] shared [[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars']] [[Sani Abacha Stadium]] as their home stadium instead of their regular home stadium [[Hadejia Stadium]], [[Hadejia]] as it didn't meet LMC's stadium's requirements.}}
|[[Sani Abacha Stadium]]{{efn|[[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]] shared [[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars']] [[Sani Abacha Stadium]] as their home stadium instead of their regular home stadium [[Hadejia Stadium]], [[Hadejia]] as it didn't meet LMC's stadium requirements}}
|-
|-
|[[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars]]
|[[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars]]
|[[Kano]]
|[[Kano (city)|Kano]]
|[[Sani Abacha Stadium]]
|[[Sani Abacha Stadium]]
|-
|-
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|team1=PLA|name_PLA= [[Plateau United F.C.|Plateau United]]
|team1=PLA|name_PLA= [[Plateau United F.C.|Plateau United]]
|team2=RIV|name_RIV= [[Rivers United F.C.|Rivers United]]
|team3=RIV|name_RIV= [[Rivers United F.C.|Rivers United]]
|team4=LOB|name_LOB= [[Lobi Stars F.C.|Lobi Stars]]
|team4=LOB|name_LOB= [[Lobi Stars F.C.|Lobi Stars]]
|team5=ENU|name_ENU= [[Rangers International F.C.|Enugu Rangers]]
|team5=ENU|name_ENU= [[Rangers International F.C.|Enugu Rangers]]
|team3=ENY|name_ENY= [[Enyimba International F.C.|Enyimba]]
|team2=ENY|name_ENY= [[Enyimba International F.C.|Enyimba]]
|team8=AKW|name_AKW= [[Akwa United F.C.]]
|team8=AKW|name_AKW= [[Akwa United F.C.]]
|team6=KAN|name_KAN= [[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars]]
|team6=KAN|name_KAN= [[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars]]
Line 206: Line 206:
|team20=ADA|name_ADA= [[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]
|team20=ADA|name_ADA= [[Adamawa United F.C.|Adamawa United]]


|win_PLA=14|draw_PLA=7|loss_PLA=4|gf_PLA=36|ga_PLA=15|status_PLA=Q
|win_PLA=14|draw_PLA=7|loss_PLA=4|gf_PLA=36|ga_PLA=15|status_PLA=
|win_RIV=13|draw_RIV=6|loss_RIV=6|gf_RIV=28|ga_RIV=15|status_RIV=Q
|win_RIV=13|draw_RIV=6|loss_RIV=6|gf_RIV=28|ga_RIV=15|status_RIV=
|win_LOB=12|draw_LOB=7|loss_LOB=6|gf_LOB=26|ga_LOB=19|status_LOB=
|win_LOB=12|draw_LOB=7|loss_LOB=6|gf_LOB=26|ga_LOB=19|status_LOB=
|win_ENU=10|draw_ENU=7|loss_ENU=7|gf_ENU=25|ga_ENU=20|
|win_ENU=10|draw_ENU=7|loss_ENU=7|gf_ENU=25|ga_ENU=20|
|win_ENY=11|draw_ENY=3|loss_ENY=6|gf_ENY=30|ga_ENY=20 |status_ENY=Q
|win_ENY=11|draw_ENY=3|loss_ENY=6|gf_ENY=30|ga_ENY=20 |status_ENY=
|win_AKW=8|draw_AKW=11|loss_AKW=6|gf_AKW=23|ga_AKW=22
|win_AKW=8|draw_AKW=11|loss_AKW=6|gf_AKW=23|ga_AKW=22
|win_KAN=8|draw_KAN=10|loss_KAN=6|gf_KAN=27|ga_KAN=18 |status_KAN=Q
|win_KAN=8|draw_KAN=10|loss_KAN=6|gf_KAN=27|ga_KAN=18 |status_KAN=
|win_DAK=8|draw_DAK=10|loss_DAK=8|gf_DAK=26|ga_DAK=26
|win_DAK=8|draw_DAK=10|loss_DAK=8|gf_DAK=26|ga_DAK=26
|win_SUN=9|draw_SUN=7|loss_SUN=9|gf_SUN=27|ga_SUN=29
|win_SUN=9|draw_SUN=7|loss_SUN=9|gf_SUN=27|ga_SUN=29
Line 222: Line 222:
|win_WIK=8|draw_WIK=7|loss_WIK=10|gf_WIK=23|ga_WIK=24
|win_WIK=8|draw_WIK=7|loss_WIK=10|gf_WIK=23|ga_WIK=24
|win_ABW=8|draw_ABW=6|loss_ABW=11|gf_ABW=23|ga_ABW=28
|win_ABW=8|draw_ABW=6|loss_ABW=11|gf_ABW=23|ga_ABW=28
|win_NAS=8|draw_NAS=5|loss_NAS=12|gf_NAS=27|ga_NAS=27|status_NAS=R
|win_NAS=8|draw_NAS=5|loss_NAS=12|gf_NAS=27|ga_NAS=27|status_NAS=
|win_JGS=9|draw_JGS=2|loss_JGS=14|gf_JGS=25|ga_JGS=35|status_JGS=
|win_JGS=9|draw_JGS=2|loss_JGS=14|gf_JGS=25|ga_JGS=35|status_JGS=
|win_KWA=8|draw_KWA=4|loss_KWA=13|gf_KWA=23|ga_KWA=33|status_KWA=
|win_KWA=8|draw_KWA=4|loss_KWA=13|gf_KWA=23|ga_KWA=33|status_KWA=
|win_ADA=6|draw_ADA=2|loss_ADA=17|gf_ADA=17|ga_ADA=47|status_ADA=
|win_ADA=6|draw_ADA=2|loss_ADA=17|gf_ADA=17|ga_ADA=47|status_ADA=


|col_CCL=#D0F0C0|text_CCL=Qualification to the[[2020–21 CAF Champions League]] |result1=CCL|result2=CCL |col_CCC=#CCF4FF|text_CCC=Qualification to the[[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup]] |result3=CCC |result6=CCC |class_rules=1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
|col_CCL=#D0F0C0|text_CCL=Qualification to the [[2020–21 CAF Champions League]] |result1=CCL|result2=CCL |col_CCC=#CCF4FF|text_CCC=Qualification to the [[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup]] |result3=CCC |result6=CCC |class_rules=1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.


|note_KWA=[[Delta Force F.C.|Delta Force]] played the first 7 matches of the season, then sold their league spot to [[Kwara United F.C.|Kwara United]], which took over their record and remaining fixtures.
|note_KWA= Delta Force played the first 7 matches of the season, then sold their league spot to Kwara United, which took over their record and remaining fixtures.


|note_KAN= Since the [[2020 Aiteo Cup|2020 Federation Cup]], [[Kano Pillars]] the [[2019 Aiteo Cup|2019 Federation Cup]] champions will qualify for the [[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup|CAF Confederation Cup]].
|note_KAN= Since the [[2020 Aiteo Cup|2020 Federation Cup]] was cancelled, Kano Pillars, the [[2019 Aiteo Cup|2019 Federation Cup]] champions will qualify for the [[2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup|CAF Confederation Cup]].

|note_ENY= Enyimba were ranked higher than Rivers United despite having the same PPG, they were ranked based on the 'Weighty Points Per Game' system.
}}
}}


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|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2
|rowspan="3"|2
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Ibrahim Mustapha]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Ibrahim Mustapha (Nigerian footballer)|Ibrahim Mustapha]]
|align=" left"|Plateau United
|align=" left"|Plateau United
|rowspan=3|'''11'''
|rowspan=3|'''11'''
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|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Malachi Ohawume]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Malachi Ohawume]]
|align="left"|Rivers United
|align="left"|Rivers United
|}

====Most assists====

<!--NO LIVE UPDATES, PLEASE WAIT UNTIL SOURCES-->

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Rank
! Player
! Club
! Assists
|-
|1
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Cyril Olisema]]
|align="left"|Enyimba
|'''10'''
|-
|2
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Femi Ajayi]]
|align="left"|Dakkada
|'''6'''
|-
|3
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Rabiu Ali]]
|align="left"|Kano Pillars
|'''5'''
|-
|rowspan="4"|4
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Daniel Itodo]]
|align="left"|Plateau United
|rowspan=4|'''4'''
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Samuel Nnoshiri]]
|align="left"|Heartland FC
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Nyima Nwagua]]
|align="left"|Kano Pillars
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Ibrahim Abubakar]]
|align="left"|Plateau United
|}
|}


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==News==
==News==


*-This is the '''30TH ANNIVERSARY''' of the [[Nigerian Professional Football League]] since attaining [[Professionalism in association football|professionalism]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=NPFL at 30 |url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/npfl-at-30-origins-history-champions-top-scorers/ |work=Busybuddies |date=27 May 2019}}</ref>
*This was the 30th Anniversary of the [[Nigerian Professional Football League]] since attaining [[Professionalism in association football|professionalism]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=NPFL at 30 |url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/npfl-at-30-origins-history-champions-top-scorers/ |work=Busybuddies |date=27 May 2019}}</ref>


*- On 29 November 2019,[[Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.|FC Ifeanyi Ubah's]] bus was attacked by armed robbers near [[Lokoja]], [[Kogi State|Kogi State's]] capital during a trip to [[Kano]] for their Matchday 6 match against [[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]] which left some players and some members of the coaching crew "critically injured" according to the club.<ref>{{cite news | title= Nigeria's Ifeanyi Ubah's bus attacked in Kogi State |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50614871 |work=BBC |accessdate=30 November 2019}}</ref>


*-[[Katsina United F.C.|Katsina United]] and [[Kano Pillars F.C.|Kano Pillars]] were fined [[Naira|N]]3.5 million([[Dollars|$]]9.020) and [[Naira|N]]1.5 million([[Dollars|$]]3.865) by the '''League Management Company''' on 25 January 2020 for their fans' gross misconduct during their Matchday 15 fixture 10 days earlier in [[Katsina]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Katsina United and Kano Pillars hit with heavy fines for fan violence |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/kano-pillars-and-katsina-united-hit-with-heavy-fines-for/ee97nsv417bk1gfxxp8ypb1i4 | work=Goal.com |accessdate= 27 January 2020}}</ref>



* On 29 November 2019, Ifeanyi Ubah's bus was attacked by armed robbers near [[Lokoja]], [[Kogi State|Kogi State's]] capital during a trip to [[Kano (city)|Kano]] for their match against [[Jigawa Golden Stars F.C.|Jigawa Golden Stars]] which left players and members of the coaching crew "critically injured" according to the club.<ref>{{cite news | title= Nigeria's Ifeanyi Ubah's bus attacked in Kogi State |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50614871 |work=BBC |accessdate=30 November 2019}}</ref>
*-In a similar incident, the Matchday 20 fixture between Abia Warriors and Enyimba was moved to Monday, 17 January 2020 and played [[Behind closed doors (sports)|without spectators]] after the match was disrupted on the initial date - Sunday, 16 January 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Crowd trouble in Abia Derby causes match to be postponed | url= https://punchng.com/anyansi-agwu-injured-as-violence-mars-abia-enyimba-clash/ |work= The Punch |accessdate= 16 January 2020}}</ref> [[Abia Warriors F.C.|Abia Warriors]] were later fined by the [[League Management Company]] for fan violence.<ref>{{cite news | title= Abia Warriors bag N5 Million fine for fan trouble In Abia Derby | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/npfl-abia-warriors-bag-n5m-fine-for-violence-in-abia-derby/ |work=Vanguard |date= 27 February 2020}}</ref>


*Katsina United and Kano Pillars were fined [[Naira|N]]3.5 million($9) and [[Naira|N]]1.5 million($3.8) by the League Management Company on 25 January 2020 for their fans misconduct during their fixture 10 days earlier in [[Katsina]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Katsina United and Kano Pillars hit with heavy fines for fan violence |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/kano-pillars-and-katsina-united-hit-with-heavy-fines-for/ee97nsv417bk1gfxxp8ypb1i4 | work=Goal.com |accessdate= 27 January 2020}}</ref>


*In a similar incident, the 16 January 2020 fixture between Abia Warriors and Enyimba was postponed to Monday, 17 January 2020 and played [[Behind closed doors (sports)|without spectators]] after the match was disrupted and couldn't be completed on the initial date.<ref>{{cite news |title=Crowd trouble in Abia Derby causes match to be postponed | url= https://punchng.com/anyansi-agwu-injured-as-violence-mars-abia-enyimba-clash/ |work= The Punch |accessdate= 16 January 2020}}</ref> [[Abia Warriors F.C.|Abia Warriors]] were later fined by the [[League Management Company]] for fan violence.<ref>{{cite news | title= Abia Warriors bag N5 Million fine for fan trouble In Abia Derby | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/npfl-abia-warriors-bag-n5m-fine-for-violence-in-abia-derby/ |work=Vanguard |date= 27 February 2020}}</ref>
*-[[Nasarawa United F.C.|Nasarawa United's]] [[Defender (association football)|defender]] [[Chineme Martins]] collapsed at the [[Lafia Township Stadium]] during a home league match versus [[Katsina United F.C.|Katsina United]] on 8 March 2020, he was attended to by medics but was later rushed to an hospital where he was later confirmed dead.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nigerian player collapses on pitch |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/51800684 |work=BBC Africa |date= 9 March 2020}}</ref>As a result of this, the [[Nigeria Football Federation]] ordered all NPFL clubs to provide all necessary and required medical equipment and personnel before hosting any other game, owing to the fact that there were poor medical and first aid assistance at the stadium when he slumped<ref>{{cite news |title=NFF orders clubs to provide adequate medical facilities before every league game |url=https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/nff-say-npfl-clubs-must-have-required-medical-equipment-and-personnel-before-hosting/bjl2hzq |work=Pulse.ng |accessdate=11 March 2020}}</ref>. In memory of him,all players wore [[Black armband|black armbands]] and a [[Moment of silence|minute's silence]] held before the commencement of all Matchday 24 games. Also, there was a round of applause for him at the 20th minute of each game (he wore the number 20 while playing for Nasarawa United).<ref>{{cite news |title= NPFL players to don black armband, observe one minute applause for fallen defender |url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/chineme-martins-npfl-players-to-don-black-armbands-observe-minute-applause-for-fallen-defender/ |work=Busybuddies |date=14 March 2020}}</ref>


*Nasarawa United's [[Defender (association football)|defender]] [[Chineme Martins]] collapsed at the [[Lafia Township Stadium]] during a home league match versus Katsina United on 8 March 2020. He was attended to by medics and later rushed to an hospital where he was later confirmed dead.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nigerian player collapses on pitch |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/51800684 |work=BBC Africa |date= 9 March 2020}}</ref> The [[Nigeria Football Federation]] ordered all NPFL clubs to provide all necessary medical equipment and personnel before hosting any other game. Owing to the poor first aid assistance at the stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=NFF orders clubs to provide adequate medical facilities before every league game |url=https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/nff-say-npfl-clubs-must-have-required-medical-equipment-and-personnel-before-hosting/bjl2hzq |work=Pulse.ng |accessdate=11 March 2020}}</ref> All players wore [[Black armband|black armbands]] and a [[Moment of silence|minute's silence]] held before the commencement of all Matchday 24 games as tribute. A round of applause was held for him at the 20th minute of each game.<ref>{{cite news |title= NPFL players to don black armband, observe one minute applause for fallen defender |url=https://www.busybuddiesng.com/chineme-martins-npfl-players-to-don-black-armbands-observe-minute-applause-for-fallen-defender/ |work=Busybuddies |date=14 March 2020}}</ref>


*-Tragedy struck once again in [[Nigeria]] as [[Rangers International F.C.|Enugu Rangers]] duo [[Ifeanyi George]] and [[Emmanuel Ogbu]] were involved in an [[Traffic collision|auto crash]] which claimed their lives and the life of a third person. The accident occurred in [[Abudu]] at the [[A232 highway (Nigeria)|Benin-Agbor road]] while the players were travelling to Lagos after the season was suspended due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Two Nigerian players killed in car crash |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/51996503 |work=BBC SportAfrica |date=22 March 2020}}</ref>
*Enugu Rangers duo [[Ifeanyi George]] and [[Emmanuel Ogbu]] were involved in an [[Traffic collision|auto crash]] which claimed their lives and the life of a third person. The accident occurred in [[Abudu]] at the [[A232 highway (Nigeria)|Benin-Agbor road]] while the players were travelling to Lagos after the season was suspended due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Two Nigerian players killed in car crash |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/51996503 |work=BBC SportAfrica |date=22 March 2020}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nig2020.html#nfl Nigeria 2020], RSSSF.com
*[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nig2020.html Nigeria 2020], RSSSF.com


{{Nigeria Premier League Seasons}}
{{Nigeria Premier League Seasons}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:2019-20 Nigeria Professional Football League}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2019-20 Nigeria Professional Football League}}


[[Category:Nigerian Professional Football League seasons]]
[[Category:Nigeria Professional Football League seasons]]
[[Category:2019–20 in Nigerian football]]
[[Category:2019–20 in Nigerian football]]
[[Category:2019–20 in African association football leagues|Nigeria]]
[[Category:2019–20 in African association football leagues|Nigeria]]
[[Category:Association football events postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic|Nigeria Professional Football League]]
[[Category:Association football events curtailed and voided due to the COVID-19 pandemic|Nigeria Professional Football League]]

Latest revision as of 12:29, 7 April 2024

Nigeria Professional Football League
Season2019–2020
Promoted
RelegatedNone
Champions League
Confederation Cup
Matches played246
Goals scored494 (2.01 per match)
Top goalscorerIsrael Abia (12 goals)
Biggest home winKano Pillars 6–1 Kwara United[a] (8 December 2019)

Plateau United 5–0 Adamawa United (19 January 2020)

Heartland 5–0

Adamawa United (16 February 2020)
Biggest away winAdamawa United 0–3

Sunshine Stars (15 December 2019)

Dakkada 0–3 Nasarawa United (16 January 2020)

Abia Warriors 1–4 Enyimba (17 February 2020)
Highest scoringKano Pillars 6–1 Kwara United[a] (8 December 2019)
Longest winning runEnyimba & Akwa United (5 matches)
Longest unbeaten runKano Pillars (13 matches)
Longest winless runWikki Tourists & Nasarawa United (8 matches)
Longest losing runAdamawa United (5 matches)
2019
All statistics correct as of 11 August 2020.

The 2019–2020 Nigeria Professional Football League was the 49th season of the top-flight division of the Nigerian football league system and the 30th season since its rebranding as the 'Professional League'. The league started on 3 November 2019 but was cancelled in July due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with no champions and no teams relegated. Enyimba were the defending champions, after winning the Super 6 play-offs the previous season

The league was initially halted on 18 March 2020 following a decision by the League Management Company to suspend the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic[1] with no decision made on the league's resumption. On 10 July 2020 however, the league was cancelled by the NFF for the second time in three seasons (after the 2018 season ended in a similar way), following an online meeting between its executive committee and the league board with no champions and no relegation or promotion from the National League, and stopped at Matchday 25.[2]

As a result of this, the league's representatives at the continental competitions next season were decided by the PPG system, which created confusion and disagreement among the teams as Rivers United refused to accept their CAF Confederation Cup spot initially given to them.[3][4]

Based on the points per game system, Plateau United and Enyimba will represent the country at the 2020–21 CAF Champions League while Rivers United will participate at the CAF Confederation Cup, since the 2020 Federation Cup was cancelled, Kano Pillars, the 2019 Federation Cup champions, will take the second CAF Confederation Cup spot.[5]

Teams

[edit]

The league consisted of 20 teams, the 4 promoted teams from the Nigeria National League and the remaining 16 teams from the previous season. On 28 November, Kwara United bought Delta Force's slot and replaced them in the league.[6]

Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.
Team Location Stadium
Abia Warriors Umuahia Umuahia Township Stadium
Adamawa United Yola Pantami Stadium[b]
Akwa United F.C. Uyo Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Dakkada Uyo Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Enugu Rangers Enugu Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium
Enyimba Aba Enyimba International Stadium
Heartland F.C. Owerri Okigwe Stadium
Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. Nnewi Ifeanyi Ubah FC International Stadium
Jigawa Golden Stars Dutse Sani Abacha Stadium[c]
Kano Pillars Kano Sani Abacha Stadium
Katsina United Katsina Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
Kwara United Ilorin Kwara State Stadium
Lobi Stars Makurdi Aper Aku Stadium
MFM F.C. Lagos Agege Stadium
Nasarawa United Lafia Lafia Township Stadium
Plateau United Jos New Jos Stadium
Rivers United Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium
Sunshine Stars Akure Akure Township Stadium
Warri Wolves Warri Warri Township Stadium
Wikki Tourists F.C. Bauchi Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium
  1. ^ a b This match was originally played by Delta Force
  2. ^ Adamawa United played their home matches at Pantami Stadium, Gombe instead of their regular home stadium Ribadu Square Stadium, Yola as it didn't meet LMC's stadium requirements
  3. ^ Jigawa Golden Stars shared Kano Pillars' Sani Abacha Stadium as their home stadium instead of their regular home stadium Hadejia Stadium, Hadejia as it didn't meet LMC's stadium requirements

Locations

[edit]

League table

[edit]
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts PPG
1 Plateau United 25 14 7 4 36 15 +21 49 1.96 Qualification to the 2020–21 CAF Champions League
2 Enyimba[a] 20 11 3 6 30 20 +10 36 1.80
3 Rivers United 25 13 6 6 28 15 +13 45 1.80 Qualification to the 2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup
4 Lobi Stars 25 12 7 6 26 19 +7 43 1.72
5 Enugu Rangers 24 10 7 7 25 20 +5 37 1.54
6 Kano Pillars[b] 24 8 10 6 27 18 +9 34 1.42 Qualification to the 2020–21 CAF Confederation Cup
7 Katsina United 24 9 7 8 18 25 −7 34 1.42
8 Akwa United F.C. 25 8 11 6 23 22 +1 35 1.40
9 Warri Wolves 24 9 6 9 25 23 +2 33 1.38
10 Sunshine Stars 25 9 7 9 27 29 −2 34 1.36
11 Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. 25 10 3 12 25 28 −3 33 1.32
12 Dakkada 26 8 10 8 26 26 0 34 1.31
13 Heartland F.C. 25 9 5 11 21 21 0 32 1.28
14 MFM F.C. 25 8 7 10 19 19 0 31 1.24
15 Wikki Tourists F.C. 25 8 7 10 23 24 −1 31 1.24
16 Abia Warriors 25 8 6 11 23 28 −5 30 1.20
17 Nasarawa United 25 8 5 12 27 27 0 29 1.16
18 Jigawa Golden Stars 25 9 2 14 25 35 −10 29 1.16
19 Kwara United[c] 25 8 4 13 23 33 −10 28 1.12
20 Adamawa United 25 6 2 17 17 47 −30 20 0.80
Source: NPFL
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
Notes:
  1. ^ Enyimba were ranked higher than Rivers United despite having the same PPG, they were ranked based on the 'Weighty Points Per Game' system.
  2. ^ Since the 2020 Federation Cup was cancelled, Kano Pillars, the 2019 Federation Cup champions will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
  3. ^ Delta Force played the first 7 matches of the season, then sold their league spot to Kwara United, which took over their record and remaining fixtures.

Results

[edit]
Home \ Away ABW ADA AKW DAK ENU ENY HEA IFU JGS KAN KAT KWA LOB MFM NAS PLA RIV SUN WWV WIK
Abia Warriors 2–1 2–1 1–1 1–4 2–1 2–1 0–0 2–0 1–0 3–0 1–1 1–0
Adamawa United 1–0 1–1 0–2 1–0 2–1 4–0 2–1 0–1 2–1 0–2 0–3 0–1 0–0
Akwa United 0–0 4–0 2–2 0–0 3–1 0–0 0–2 1–0 1–1 2–1 1–1 1–0
Dakkada 4–1 0–1 2–3 2–1 1–0 1–0 2–0 1–2 0–0 0–3 0–0 2–1 1–0
Enugu Rangers 3–1 2–0 1–2 0–2 3–1 1–0 1–0 1–0 0–1 0–0 1–0 1–0 3–0
Enyimba 2–1 2–0 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–0 3–0 3–0
Heartland 1–0 5–0 1–1 2–1 1–0 1–1 0–0 2–0 0–1 1–0 0–2 1–0
Ifeanyi Ubah 1–0 0–0 2–1 2–0 1–0 1–0 0–0 1–0 1–0 3–1 3–1 2–0
Jigawa GS 3–2 0–1 1–1 2–1 2–1 1–0 2–1 1–0 1–0 0–1 1–1 2–1 2–1
Kano Pillars 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–0 2–0 6–1 0–1 1–0 0–0 1–1 0–0
Katsina United 1–0 1–1 0–0 1–1 1–0 3–2 1–1 1–0 1–0 2–0 2–1
Kwara United 2–0 1–1 1–0 0–1 4–1 2–0 0–1 1–0 1–3 1–1 0–0 1–0
Lobi Stars 1–0 0–0 1–1 3–0 1–0 2–2 1–0 4–0 1–0 2–1 0–0 2–0 2–1
MFM 2–1 2–0 3–0 1–0 0–0 0–1 0–0 1–1 2–1 3–1 0–0 0–0 1–1
Nasarawa United 3–1 0–0 2–1 2–0 1–0 3–2 1–0 0–0 3–0 0–1 1–1 1–2 0–1
Plateau United 5–0 0–0 2–0 4–0 5–1 2–1 0–0 2–1 3–1 2–1 1–0 1–0 2–1
Rivers United 0–0 2–1 1–1 1–0 2–1 2–0 1–0 2–1 2–0 1–0 2–1 3–0 0–0
Sunshine Stars 1–0 1–0 1–1 0–0 1–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–2 1–1 4–2 2–1 1–1
Warri Wolves 2–0 1–1 1–2 1–0 2–0 2–1 0–0 2–0 0–1 3–0 1–0
Wikki Tourists 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–0 2–1 1–0 1–1 3–1 4–0 2–1 1–0 0–1 1–2
Source: NPFL
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Season statistics

[edit]

Scoring

[edit]

Top scorers

[edit]
Rank Player Club Goals[7]
1 Nigeria Israel Abia Enugu Rangers 12
2 Nigeria Ibrahim Mustapha Plateau United 11
Nigeria Ndifreke Effiong Udo Akwa United
Nigeria Auwalu Ali Mallam Kano Pillars
5 Nigeria Victor Mbaoma Enyimba 9
6 Nigeria Tasiu Lawal Katsina United 8
Nigeria Stanley Dimgba Enyimba
Nigeria Malachi Ohawume Rivers United

Clean sheets

[edit]
Rank Player Club Clean sheets
1 Nigeria Chinedu Anozie Plateau United 10
2 Cameroon Jean Efala Akwa United 9
3 Nigeria Suraj Ayeleso Kano Pillars 8
Nigeria Sharp Uzoigwe FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Nigeria Abayomi Folarin MFM FC
Nigeria Vincent Edafe Dakkada
Nigeria Ibrahim Pius Wikki Tourists FC

News

[edit]
  • On 29 November 2019, Ifeanyi Ubah's bus was attacked by armed robbers near Lokoja, Kogi State's capital during a trip to Kano for their match against Jigawa Golden Stars which left players and members of the coaching crew "critically injured" according to the club.[9]
  • Katsina United and Kano Pillars were fined N3.5 million($9) and N1.5 million($3.8) by the League Management Company on 25 January 2020 for their fans misconduct during their fixture 10 days earlier in Katsina.[10]
  • In a similar incident, the 16 January 2020 fixture between Abia Warriors and Enyimba was postponed to Monday, 17 January 2020 and played without spectators after the match was disrupted and couldn't be completed on the initial date.[11] Abia Warriors were later fined by the League Management Company for fan violence.[12]
  • Nasarawa United's defender Chineme Martins collapsed at the Lafia Township Stadium during a home league match versus Katsina United on 8 March 2020. He was attended to by medics and later rushed to an hospital where he was later confirmed dead.[13] The Nigeria Football Federation ordered all NPFL clubs to provide all necessary medical equipment and personnel before hosting any other game. Owing to the poor first aid assistance at the stadium.[14] All players wore black armbands and a minute's silence held before the commencement of all Matchday 24 games as tribute. A round of applause was held for him at the 20th minute of each game.[15]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "COVID-19: LMC suspends Nigeria Professional Football League till further notice". Busybuddies. 18 March 2020.
  2. ^ "2019/20 NPFL season cancelled with no promotion or relegation". Goal.com. 10 July 2020.
  3. ^ "LMC publishes final league classification". aclsports.com. 8 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Rivers United threaten to approach FIFA,10 CAF and CAS over Champions league slot". bsnsports.com. 9 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Kano Pillars excited for continental return". Africanfootball.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Kwara United buys Delta Force's slot in the NPFL". Goal.com. 28 November 2019.
  7. ^ "NPFL 2019/2020 top scorers". NPFL. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  8. ^ "NPFL at 30". Busybuddies. 27 May 2019.
  9. ^ "Nigeria's Ifeanyi Ubah's bus attacked in Kogi State". BBC. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  10. ^ "Katsina United and Kano Pillars hit with heavy fines for fan violence". Goal.com. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Crowd trouble in Abia Derby causes match to be postponed". The Punch. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  12. ^ "Abia Warriors bag N5 Million fine for fan trouble In Abia Derby". Vanguard. 27 February 2020.
  13. ^ "Nigerian player collapses on pitch". BBC Africa. 9 March 2020.
  14. ^ "NFF orders clubs to provide adequate medical facilities before every league game". Pulse.ng. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  15. ^ "NPFL players to don black armband, observe one minute applause for fallen defender". Busybuddies. 14 March 2020.
  16. ^ "Two Nigerian players killed in car crash". BBC SportAfrica. 22 March 2020.
[edit]