The Action
return to Nigeria topflight football as the most successful team in the
land, Enyimba, take a short trip to Nnewi for a date will Oriental
brothers, the Warriors: FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
NPFL
leaders, Plateau United, are also in Lokoja for a tricky tie with
Niger Tornadoes who have made the Confluence Stadium a fortress where
they make up for their ineffectual performances on the road.
Kennedy
Boboye’s men need to make a profound statement on their title chase by
picking points away. This game against Niger Tornadoes is another
opportunity for the Jos landlords to squeeze in points.
After
experiencing a shock defeat in Jos, the Promise Keepers rush back to
Uyo to welcome Gombe United. Akwa United are still within reach for
title glory and they can keep the hope alive by taking care of all hope
games and wins some on the road. Gombe United will pose no real threat
to a compact squad put together by former Mathematics teacher, Abdul
Maikaba.
Rivers
United still in search for the Holy Grail – an away victory – will be
guest of ABS FC. They take their first trip in the domestic scene after
the reality of continental exit dawned on them. Stanly Eguma will lead
the Pride of Rivers to this delicate tie hoping that, at least, their
place in the NPFL is secured.
MFM FC will take on Wikki Tourists of Bauchi at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
The
Tourists have been on a steady rise picking just one point of the road
so far, in Nnewi that was. Their sojourn to Lagos will be a cracker as
Fidelis Ilechukwu seems to have his eye on the title, thus one would
think games in front of his home crowd is inviolable.
Nomadic
Ladan Bosso will welcome his former employers. When he led his lads to
Umahia in the reverse fixture, they came home with maximum point in
their kitty.
One
will not rule out the possibility of a double over Abia Warriors, put
into consideration how unfavourable Maiduguri has been to visiting
teams.
In
the Pyramid City, Kano Pillars will be on hand to impress their fans
who have been allowed to see league games after the closed door ban was
lifted by the league organizers. Rangers, their opponent will come into
the game hoping to replicate what happened in Maiduguri where they
picked an unimaginable point.
Sunshine
Stars host Nasarawa United while Shooting Stars are at home against
Katsina United. Lobi Stars are expecting Remo Stars in Makurdi. The
later are still fixed at the basement of the table.
It
is no doubt that Enyimba has done great exploits in the country before
the emergence of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, but the Nnewi side is growing into a
tough opponents in all ramifications.
Though,
Enyimba beats them in the head-to-head analysis, games between these
two clubs always gather weight. Its an Oriental Derby and the stakes are
high, seeing that both sides chances of coming close to the league
trophy or getting a spot in the continent is much still feasible.
By JOHN PAUL NNAMDI,