The Twitter Premier League (TPL), an alternative league with players recruited from Twitter, is gearing up to return to Enugu, the home of Rangers International – the reigning Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Champions, this month for the second edition of the amateur/semi-professional football league.
The maiden out-of-Lagos TPL, tagged #TPL042, symbolising the phone dial code of Enugu, was held on March 19th 2016 at UNEC Temporary Stadium, Enugu with four teams, representing 4 major areas in Enugu Metropolis, fighting for the coveted trophy. These teams include @OtigbaFC (New Haven), @ConneFC (GRA), @OringoFC (Trans Ekulu) and @FCBisala (Independence Layout).
Eventually, FC Bisalla emerged as the winners after beating Otigba FC in the final tagged #8HoursDerby via a penalty shoot-out. The event, which attracted players and fans from all parts of the city, was an overwhelming success and had over 700 people in attendance.
Based on popular demand, the #TPL042 has introduced the league format, in contrast to the straight knock-out format used in the maiden edition, and thence increased the number of teams to eight (8) to enable teams/players from other areas in Enugu Metropolis to participate. The new teams are @ZooAthleticFC, @HeroesFC (both GRA), @SoccerssimoFC (Abakpa) and @Umu-AliFC (Achara Layout).
TPL042 Group stages
The eight (8) teams have since been grouped into two. Defending Champions, FC Bisalla are top seeds in Group A and will start the defence of their title against one of the new boys, Soccerssimo FC. Oringo FC and Umu-Ali FC complete the group. Losing finalists, Otigba FC will lock horns with the three clubs from GRA, ConneFC, Zoo Athletic FC and Hereoes FC in Group B.
The teams in each group will play against each other between November 12th 2016 and November 26th 2016 at Adorable Pitch at Emene, with both the winners and runners-up of the groups advancing to the semi-finals and finals. The semi-finals & final, which are slated as the main event, will be held at UNEC Temporary Stadium on 10th December 2016. The day will also see the introduction of the new female football teams via an exhibition game.
Radio power houses, Urban Radio and Dream FM, will also battle for the airwaves in a friendly.
Furthermore, the TPL is not just about the football; it is also a networking platform for youths to connect with each other, strengthen old bonds and foster new long-lasting friendships whilst promoting grassroot football. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for young entrepreneurs and SME owners to promote, market and sell their products and services.
In keeping with TPL tradition, there will be fantastic side attractions at the event such as dancers/cheerleaders, food and drink (palm wine, abacha with nkwobi, small chops etc) vendors, great music, video games, snooker, table tennis and card games and so much more. This is a great way to relax in the coalcity, and also support grassroot football and entrepreneurship in the Enugu so don’t be left out, tell a friend to tell a friend.
it is #GAMEON!
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Follow the TPL handle – @thetpl as well as the Team handles on Twitter and Instagram, and TPL042 on Facebook. Also visit TPL’s official website http://www.thetpl.org
Follow @Click042 on twitter for exclusive TPL042 news, gist, giveaways and reviews!
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