2019 has a stockpile of football actions in store from the local scene in Nigeria to Africa, Europe and South America.
It’s still the second week of the new year
We start at home, Nigeria where all eyes are on the League Management Company (LMC) and how they would manage the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The 2018 season ended just after 24 games following the chaos in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
With normalcy now restored to the NFF, a new resumption date has been announced for the 2019 season but there is still cause to be trepidation.
The organisation seems rushed as a host of clubs do not look ready for the resumption of the new season.
All eyes are on the NPFL; will the league kick off successfully? And as whispers of prosecution of some top NFF officials, can the federation maintain stability to run a smooth league campaign all year?
On the pitch, there will also be eyes on who can lift the title. Enyimba and Kano Pillars are already traditional favourites while the likes of Akwa United and Lobi Stars who finished last season as leaders are also primed for the challenge.
Egypt have finally been chosen as the host of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and with Super Eagles return for the first since 2013, Africa’s premier football tourney will stoke interest in Nigeria.
How will the Super Eagles fare in North Africa? Can Mohamed Salah seal his legacy by winning leading Egypt to the title? Can Senegal with the likes of Sadio Mane finally get their hands on the title?
