Nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC, will host Bayelsa United FC in their Matchday 24 encounter under unusual circumstances, as the fixture will be played behind closed doors at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
The match, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at 4:00 pm, will be the first of three Enyimba home games staged without fans following a directive from the NPFL authorities.
In a statement, Enyimba management expressed regret over the development and appealed for calm and understanding from their supporters.
The club noted that the decision was in strict compliance with the league’s ruling and assured fans that efforts were ongoing to work with relevant authorities for a swift return to normal matchday experiences at the stadium.
Despite the absence of their passionate supporters, the Peoples Elephant will aim to build on the momentum from their valuable away draw against Nasarawa United in Lafia during Matchday 23.
Currently placed 12th on the NPFL table, Enyimba will be desperate to secure maximum points to improve their standing.
Visitors Bayelsa United, meanwhile, arrive in Aba seeking a return to winning ways after being held to a goalless draw by Niger Tornadoes in their last outing.
The Yenagoa-based side are also winless in their last two matches and will look to capitalize on the unusual atmosphere in Aba.
With no fans in the stands but plenty at stake on the pitch, Sunday’s clash promises to be a tense and tactical affair as both sides chase crucial points in the NPFL campaign.
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