NPFL week 4 preview: Lagos based Ikorodu United to face reigning league champions
– Nasarawa United renew rivalry with Plateau United
– A total of 52 goals have been scored this season in the NPFL after week 3 games
– 3SC’s Wasiu Jimoh netted the first hat-trick of the season last week
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) enters week 4 this midweek, and all the teams will be engaged in games across various centres in the country.
A total of 52 goals have been scored this season in the Nigeria’s top flight after week 3 games, and Naij.com Sports now previews the match day 4 encounters.
Frederick Obomate of Rivers United and Wasiu Jimoh of 3SC currently leads the goalscorers charts this season as these two players have scored 3 goals each.
Last weekend, 3SC’s Wasiu Jimoh was the star of the week, as the former Kwara Football Academy (KFA) schoolboy netted the first hat-trick of the season against Mountain Of Fire Miracles and Ministries (MFM FC).
Akwa United v Heartland (Uyo)
The management board of Akwa United has been kicked out by the Akwa Ibom state government after crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup losing to AS Vita of Congo.
Akwa United won the pre-season Super Four tournament
The Promise Keepers would have themselves to blame losing infront of their faithful, and they would want to put that disappointment behind them by beating Heartland in Uyo.
Heartland were woeful in their last game at home as they were defeated by Abia Warriors in Owerri. The solitary goal scored by Chikatara was also the first time Heartland conceded a goal this season in the NPFL.
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MFM FC v Sunshine Stars (Lagos)
Last weekend in Ibadan, Mountain of Fire Miracles and Ministries (MFM) tasted their first defeat in the NPFL as they went through baptism of fire in the hands of Shooting Stars who hammered them 3-0.
This tie between MFM FC and Sunshine Stars will be the first ever encounter between the two sides, and it can go either way considering the pedigree of the two teams.
Sunshine Stars handler, Samson Unuanel said to Naij.com Sports that his wards are in top gear ahead of this duel in Lagos.
“My boys are fully ready for this game, and by the grace of God, we would get at least a point in this match,” Unuanel said to Naij.com Sports.
Niger Tornadoes v Nasarawa United (Lokoja)
Niger Tornadoes have not recorded a victory this season in the top flight, and the fans of the club have thrown in enough pressure to the handler of the club, Abdullahi Biffo who promoted the club to the premier division.
Nasarawa United Squad
Nasarawa United are still in joyous mood after qualifying for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, and this momentum might help them against Tornadoes who are still finding their rhythms this term.
“I must confess to you that our fans are not happy with the team, but we will try our best to get our first victory against Nasarawa United,” captain and goalkeeper of Niger Tornadoes, Mustapha Aliko said to Naij.com Sports.
Warri Wolves v Enugu Rangers (Warri)
Warri Wolves are still battling to understand the late minute goal they conceded in their 1-2 loss at Plateau United, and the Seasiders would want to make their fans happy by getting the 3 maximum points against the Flying Antelopes.
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IfeanyiUbah v 3SC (Nnewi)
In this corresponding fixture last season, Ubah boys hammered the Stars from Ibadan, and this is surely the best time for the two sides to meet again this season.
IfeanyiUbah lost their last tie 0-2 away at Rivers United, and they will be facing a 3SC side who have rediscovered themselves by hammering MFM FC 3-0 in Ibadan.
Enyimba v Ikorodu United (Aba)
Enyimba have qualified for the group stages in this year’s CAF Champions League after Mfon Udoh’s brace gave them the victory in their second leg match in Aba.
Mfon Udoh
Ikorodu United on the other hand were 1-0 winners over visiting Lobi Stars in a tough duel played in Lagos.
Ikorodu United’s chances in this tie are limited as it is expected that Enyimba would get the maximum 3 points, but the Peoples Elephant should not put all their heads in a cooler.
Giwa FC v Rivers United (Jos)
Giwa FC were not involved in the week 3 tie, as their opponents, Nasarawa United were busy with CAF Confederation Cup game.
It is expected that Giwa FC’s gaffer must have told his defenders to be careful of Rivers United striker, Frederick Obomate who has scored 3 goals this season for the Port Harcourt landlords.
Rivers United were 2 nil winners over FC IfeanyiUbah in their last match, and it is this spirit they are taking to Jos to face the Giwa boys.
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Lobi Stars v Elkanemi Warriors (Makurdi)
Despite losing 0-1 in their last game at Ikorodu United, Lobi Stars are still in fine form, and it will be hard for Elkanemi Warriors’ defence to withstand the pressure of Anthony Okpotu and Edowu Kingsley who have been superb this term for Lobi Stars.
Elkanemi Warriors have not recorded any point this season, as they have lost all the games they have played, and this tie will be difficult for them in Makurdi.
Abia Warriors v Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
Abia Warriors would want to consolidate on their 1-0 away win at Heartland in their last duel as they welcome former champions, Kano Pillars who defeated Wikki Tourists 2-1 in their own last game in Kano.
Abia Warriors vs Enyimba last season
The combination of Ndifreke Effiong and Chisom Chikatara have been a blessing this season for Abia Warriors, and the defence of the Sai Masugida is expected to be highly tormented in this fixture.
“My boys are not afraid of Abia Warriors, and all we need in this game is fair and balanced officiating, and I’m sure we would excel,” head coach of Kano Pillars, Mohammed Baba Ganaru said to Naij.com Sports.
Wikki Tourists v Plateau United (Bauchi)
This tie is undoubtedly the star match of the NPFL week 4 ties as the rivalry between these two teams continues. The last time Wikki Tourists and Plateau United met which was 5 seasons ago, it ended in them sharing the points, but Wikki Tourists’ management board late on Tuesday told the coaching crew headed by Abdul Makaiba that it is a must for the team to record a victory against Plateau United.
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