Its another weekend and round of super-exciting league matches are in the offing.

There will be 7 league games this weekend because Enyimba, Nasarawa United and Warri Wolves are on continental duties.

With the quality of teams on the road this weekend, expect at least, an away win.

Here is my preview of the weekend:

IKORODU UTD VS GIWA FC (Onikan Stadium, Onikan, Lagos)

Onikan stadium, Lagos will be the venue this weekend when the Oga Boys host Gbenga Ogunbote’s Giwa FC.

After conceding 7 goals in two games, Ikorodu United head into this game in dare need of result. As things stand, they risk falling into the relegation zone if they fail to get a reasonable result in this tie. A reasonable result represents a win. Coach Edema Benson know his side must start picking point else he might follow Samson Unuanel into unemployment.

Giwa FC recorded a late victory over poor Sunshine Stars last weekend and know that they aren’t the best of travellers. But also aware of the form of the opponents, I expect them to fancy their chances of getting something out of this game. Could be a draw or a win for them.

SHOOTING STARS VS RIVERS UTD (Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State)

Rivers United will be visitor at the Lekan Salami stadium this weekend, hosted by Shooting Stars.

Shooting Stars, fresh from two inactive weeks, should be battle ready for a Rivers side that narrowly lost to Plateau Utd, last weekend.
Shooting Stars will be hoping their highest goal scorer, Wasiu Jimoh puts on his scoring boots this weekend. While Rivers United will be hoping for good fortune and that Fedrick Obomate gets into his groove.

One of the few games that could end in a score draw.

WIKKI TOURIST VS NIGER TORNADOES (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi)

Wikki Tourist welcomes Niger Tornadoes in game that will see the winner leapfrog the loser, on the log. Both teams are equal on points and have only goal difference separating them.

Wikki’s last result was a loss to in Enugu to Rangers. They will undoubtedly be fresher than the Tornadoes, having not also played a game last weekend. But will also know that Abdullahi Biffo’s Tornadoes are coming on the back of an impressive victory over Rivers United. Niger Tornadoes won’t be short of confidence for this game.

Expect a tightly contested battle in this game. A slim goal margin or a draw, will be the eventual outcome.

ENUGU RANGERS VS AKWA UTD (Nnamdi Azikwe National Stadium, Enugu)

Literally the biggest game of the weekend! Ranger will be hosting one of the league’s most in-form side, Akwa United at the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium, Enugu.

Coach Imama Amapakabo Rangers are just two points away from top spot and will need to keep getting good results to keep their top four status, intact. Last weekend, the played an exciting draw against Abia Warrior. Although this weekend’s opponent isn’t easier, they know they are capable of getting something out this tie. Chisom Egbuchulam has been outstanding for them this season, expect him to star again in this affair.

Akwa Utd head into this tie brimming with confidence. Having scored five goals in their last two games, they became the first side to register over ten goals this season.

They also didn’t concede any goal in their last two games. Though those games where in Uyo. Right now, they are just 3 points behind the league leaders, with a game in hand. They are two points behind their host and won’t mind toppling them.

How this game will eventually turn out remains a mystery and also unpredictable. But prepare for an intense game.

PLATEAU UTD VS LOBI STARS (Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos)

6th placed Lobi Stars will be in Jos this weekend seeking to snatch all three points against 13th placed Plateau Utd.

Tony Okpotu has been a man on fire for The Pride of Benue, netting five goals to top the the scorers chart, this season. He will be leading the line for Godwin Uwa’s men.

He’s also the main reason Lobi stars are still within touching distance of the league summit. Zachary Baraje’s Plateau Utd will be looking to forget their disappointing loss to Akwa United last week Friday. They will be looking at make their home advantage count.

Judging by recent results, Lobi are good enough to get something out of this tie.

HEARTLAND FC VS MFM FC (Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo state)

Aother massive game to look out for in this rund will be this tie at the Dann Anyiam stadium in Owerri. League leaders, MFM will be visitors in this fixture against 15th placed Heartland.

Heartland of Owerri didn’t play a game last weekend meaning they will be fresher heading into this tie. They are current with only five points from five games. Very poor return of points if you ask me. Something Alphonsus Dike will be looking to rectify, starting from this weekend. Both he knows it will be a daunting task.

MFM FC were rampant and ravaging last Sunday, against El-Kanemi Warriors. With 13 points, they are top of the league table and will want it to continue that way. Fidelis Illechukwu is doing an amazing job and notable mention also goes out to Chukuma Onuha, Musa Newman and also Ifeanyi Ifeanyi.

MFM FC are on form right now and should get a least a draw in this game.

EL KANEMI WARRIORS VS IFEANYI UBAH (Karkanda Memorial, Borno)

Currently the most entertaining side in the league, Ifeanyi Ubah FC aren’t going unnoticed. They will be visiting Laden Bosso’s El-Kanemi who aren’t doing too well. 4 loses and 1 win in 5 games is a horrible return and something has to be done about it. Can it be done against Ifeanyi Ubah? Very unlikely. But then, they play at home and in a league where home teams win more often than not, they have a slim chance.

Ifeanyi Ubah currently are the only side I could pay a million to watch. With six Brazillian signings and couple more from across the continent, this kind of form was expected. Alberico Da Silva, Seka Pascal, Nico Dao amongst other signings, have made remarkable impacts in the teams display this season. Their last game was a comprehensive victory against Ikorodu United. They will definitely be challenging for honours, this season.

Expect an interesting game. Ifeanyi Ubah aren’t always shy of dominating proceedings away from home. I won’t be surprised if they win this tie. In fact, them losing, will be an upset.

FULL WEEKEND FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 19-03-16
SHOOTING STARS VS RIVERS UTD (live)
SUNDAY 20-03-16
IKORODU UTD VS GIWA FC (live)
ENUGU RANGERS VS AKWA UTD
WIKKI TOURIST VS NIGER TORNADOES
HEARTLAND FC VS MFM FC
EL KANEMI WARRIORS VS IFEANYI UBAH

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NPFL Roundup done by Adebiyi Tobi, who can be reached via @THETOBBI