Action returns to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this weekend and there will be a total of 10 fixtures on Match Day 1 of the 2017/2018 season.

The competition will get underway with Katsina United taking on Kano Pillars in the opening match on Saturday.

Nine games will be played on Sunday.

Plateau United FC are the NPFL defending champions, after they won the title following a 2-0 victory over Rangers International of Enugu on September 9, 2017.

Rangers had won the 2015/2016 title – their seventh league title and first since 1984.

A total of 20 clubs will be contesting in the league this season, including 16 teams from the previous season and four clubs promoted from the 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL).

Newly-promoted team, Kwara United will host Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin, while Go Round FC will face Wikki Tourists in Bauchi for their first-ever match in Nigeria’s top-flight.

Aiteo Cup champions, Akwa United will host Rangers International in Uyo. Katsina United welcome four-time champions Kano Pillars, Plateau United who begin their title defence away to Nasarawa United and Rivers United will face El-Kanemi Warriors.

The full schedule for the opening weekend of the 2017/2018 NPFL season is as follows:

Katsina United vs Kano Pillars
Abia Warriors vs MFM FC
Akwa United vs Rangers International
Heartland FC vs Sunshine Stars
FC IfeanyiUbah vs Yobe Stars
Kwara United vs Niger Tornadoes
Lobi Stars vs Enyimba
Nasarawa United vs Plateau United.
Rivers United vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Wikki Tourists vs Go Round FC.