The Nigerian Professional Football League resumes action this week after a break.
During the break, states had their Federations Cup finals played and various winners emerged.
The winners of the state organised Federations Cup will compete in the National Federations Cup, that was last won by Akwa United last season.
The winner of National Federations Cup would then go on to represent the country at the Caf Confederations Cup.
Enyimba’s game against Warri Wolves has been rescheduled due to preparations for their continental activity this weekend.
Hostilities will resume across 8 match centres in the nation on Wednesday, to be completed with one more game on Thursday.
Here is my preview of this week’s league fixtures.
Niger Tornadoes vs Sunshine Stars (Lokoja Confluence Stadium, Kogi 4pm)
Sunshine Stars head into this game with a terrible return of results in the league.
Although, a win in the Ondo Federations Cup final over the weekend should serve as enough motivation however expectations aren’t too high. They will be satisfied with a draw in this game.
13th placed Tornadoes will look to improve on their not-so-impressive run in the league. Having accrued 10 points already, they know they need to keep picking up points and Sunshine Stars presents a perfect opportunity for them.
I expect a tightly contested game.
Akwa Utd vs Abia Warriors (Goodswill Akpabio Int’l stadium, Uyo 4pm)
Akwa Utd’s 100% home record will be put to a stiff test when Abia Warriors come visiting.
Abia Warriors are yet to lose a game this season drawing a larger percentage of their matches. Kenedy Boboye’s boys will be definitely looking to at least steal a point in this game.
Lobi Stars vs Wikki Tourists (Aper Aku stadium, Benue 4pm)
Lobi Stars have had quite an impressive season so far and with Tony Okpotu, the league’s current highest goal scorer in their ranks, a win is what they will be chasing in Makurdi.
Wikki Tourist are currently flying as they are 3rd on the log and maintaining touching distance with the league leaders will be their motive.
They sure will execute this game with an intent on not losing.
MFM FC vs Enugu Rangers (Agege stadium, Lagos 4pm)
This game arguably is the tie of the round. Two of the leagues high-flyers will lock horns at the Agege stadium.
Rangers head into this game on top of the league table, two points clear off MFM and a point above 2nd placed Ifeanyi Ubah FC.
The situation means, Imama Amapakabo’s boys need to get something out of this game. I had the opportunity of hearing Imama speak.
He sounded very upbeat about his team’s chances in the game and also in the league. He also claimed that in preparing for his game against MFM, he has studied his opponent to the tinniest detail and will be looking to exploit their weakness.
How that will shape up remains a mystery till 4pm today.
Fresh from their 1st Lagos Federations Cup triumph, MFM return to league duties five places behind Rangers.
They will be gunning for a win to help them leapfrog their opponent on the log. The Olukoya Boys will also be counting on their Agege supporters while they also try to preserve their home advantage as they are yet to lose at home, this season.
Ifeanyi Ubah vs Plateau Utd (Nnewi, Anambra state 4pm)
Ifeanyi Ubah FC have been one of the most entertaining sides in the League.
A cosmopolitan team bursting with speed and creativity. When they host Plateau Utd, they know a win could possibly elevate them to the summit of the league, as Rangers, the league leaders will be on the road to play MFM in Lagos. Making it a game they can’t afford to lose.
Plateau Utd are 12th on the table with a point total of 11. How they plan to increase that tally when the game kicks-off remains to be seen. The odds are well against them but football being what it is, anything can happen.
Giwa FC vs Kano Pillars (Rwang Pam stadium, Jos 4pm)
Jos will be alive when the big boys from Kano get into town. A date with Kano Pillars excites any audience and that will be no difference at the Rwang Pam stadium.
Kano don’t look like a side ready to lose neither does Giwa FC but Baba Ganaru’s men know that they need to start getting results to put a stiff challenge for the title.
Gbenga Ogunbote led Giwa FC will intend to make their home advantage count. They will put in a fight in this encounter, which I feel will lead to a draw or them winning.
Rivers United vs El Kanemi Warriors (Yakubu Gowon stadium, Port Harcourt 4pm)
Rivers Utd will be hosting a side just three points away from them, in Port Harcourt. With four wins in nine matches, focus will be on recording another win, which is very possible.
El Kanemi Warriors aren’t the best of travelers. Led by Laden Bosso, a draw is what they will be fighting for.
Shooting Stars vs Ikorodu Utd (Lekan Salami stadium Oyo 4pm)
3SC will be itching to return to winning ways after recording back-to-back losses in the league. Fortunately for them, it’s Ikorodu Utd that is visiting.
Ikorodu Utd have been shambolic to say the least. With just a win in the league this season, they have lost their last three games in all competition, all in Lagos.
On current form, they are destined for doom. But, how many times have we seen teams recover from disadvantaged positions and make a startling impact in a league season? Quite a number.
Suffice to say, there’s still chance for Ikorodu Utd to right their wrongs. It well could start against 3SC, Afterall Shooting Stars aren’t invincible at home. It is Shooting Stars’ game to lose though.
Nasarawa Utd vs Heartland FC (Thusday 4pm)
Nasarawa Utd are the worst team in the league. Placed 20th on the league table, they aren’t even favorites at home which is very sad for a team that finished 3rd in the previous season.
Kabiru Dogo knows getting results right now is all that matters if he wants to remain employed. Although the test won’t be easy when they play Heartland, his boys will try to do what they have hardly done this season – get a good result.
Alphonsus Dike’s Heartland are aiming to get something out of this encounter. With a game in hand and six points behind the log leaders, picking up available points is needed to compete at the top and that will be their intention going into this game.
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NPFL Roundup done by Adebiyi Tobi, who can be reached via @THETOBBI
