NPFL preview: Abia Warriors hope to end dreadful home record against Enugu Rangers
– Seven matches will be played this weekend this weekend as Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa United will be busy with continental games.
– For the very first time this season, a night game will be played in the Nigeria’s top flight
– Abia Warriors will hope to end their dreadful home record against table topping Enugu Rangers
Action resumes this Friday as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) enters week six.
Seven matches will go on this weekend as reigning champions, Enyimba, last season’s runners up, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa United will be busy with continental games.
For the very first time this season, a night game will be played in the Nigeria’s top flight, and it will be on Friday between Federation cup holders, Akwa United and NPFL returnees, Plateau United at the nest of champions in Uyo.
A total of 94 goals have been scored this term after five round of games played in the Nigeria’s first division, and Naij.com Sports will as usual previews the week 6 matches.
Here are the fixtures and preview
MFM FC v Elkanemi Warriors (Lagos)
Last weekend against all odds, Elkanemi Warriors recorded their first victory of the season after beating reigning champions, Enyimba 2 nil in Katsina.
Nobody would have put his or her money on Elkanemi Warriors against Enyimba considering their lacklustre performance so far this term, but they were able to find their rhythms against the Peoples Elephant and picked the maximum three points.
MFM FC squad
Mountain of fire Miracles and Ministries (MFM FC) also picked a point in their last match against their neighbours, Ikorodu United and they would want to consolidate on that feat against the Warriors from Maiduguri.
Musa Newman will lead the attack of MFM FC against Elkanemi Warriors, and this tie will be the first ever encounter between these two sides.
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Giwa FC v Sunshine Stars (Jos)
Sunshine Stars and Nasarawa United are the only two sides who have not recorded any victory this season in the NPFL, and Jos will definitely be a Kilimanjaro for the Akure Gunners against Giwa FC who would be desperate to get a victory in this duel.
Ahead of this tie, Giwa FC proprietor, Chris Giwa has charged his players to record a victory against Sunshine Stars or face severe consequences.
“I am not happy with our form so far this season, and I have told my boys to attack Sunshine Stars with full force because the three points is a must,” Giwa said to Naij.com Sports.
Akwa United v Plateau United (Uyo)
For the very first time this season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) a night game will be played this Friday at the Nest of champions in Uyo between Federation cup holders, Akwa United and top flight returnees, Plateau United.
Akwa United won the pre-season Super Four tournament
Akwa United Belgian manager, Maurice Cooreman was disappointed at the manner in which his wards lost 2-3 at Kano Pillars in their last tie in Kano, and he has therefore enjoined his charges to inflict a defeat on their visitors.
Plateau United on the other hand were woeful in their last game at home as they would have lost against Abia Warriors only for Ibrahim to score at the death for them to get a draw.
This tie will be live on television this Friday in Uyo, and the match is expected to kick off by 7pm local time.
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Lobi Stars v Kano Pillars (Makurdi)
After netting a hat-trick for the Sai Masugida in their 3-2 win over Akwa United last weekend, Rabiu Alli would want to continue his rich vein of form this weekend, but it will be difficult for him facing a strong defence Lobi Stars will parade.
Rabiu Ali
Kano Pillars in their history have never won at Lobi Stars, and going by past history, Lobi Stars have an edge in this tie as it would give the likes of Tony Okpotu and Michael the chance upfront.
A win for Lobi Stars in this encounter will take them to the top of the NPFL standings pending the outcome of the tie between Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers.
Niger Tornadoes v Rivers United (Minna)
Niger Tornadoes are not finding it rosy this term in their return to the premier League as they have only picked a win after 5 round of matches in the NPFL.
Tornadoes fans thought their boys would get a draw in their last match at Warri Wolves only for them to concede a late minute goal at the Warri Township Stadium.
The last time Niger Tornadoes and Rivers United (formerly Dolphins) met in this corresponding fixtures was last four seasons before Tornadoes got demoted to the lower division, and it was a 2 nil victory in Minna.
Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma
“Getting the maximum three points against Rivers United is a must for us, and I’m sure that my boys won’t disappoint me,” Niger Tornadoes handler, Abdullahi Biffo said to Naij.com Sports.
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Abia Warriors v Enugu Rangers (Umuahia)
It will definitely be difficult for Enugu Rangers to remain at the top of the NPFL standings this weekend as they face Abia Warriors in this eastern derby.
Abia Warriors players line-up before a match
Abia Warriors are in top gear so far this season in the premier League, and a win for them in this tie against the Flying Antelopes will take them to the summit of the League.
Abia Warriors have not lost any game this season after five round of matches, and Enugu Rangers’ handler, Imama Amakapabo believes his wards are capable of winning in Umuahia.
“We know they are in their best form, and we want to go and pull a surprise right there in front of their fans,” Imama said.
IfeanyiUbah v Ikorodu United (Nnewi)
This will be the first time these two teams will go head-to-head in the top division, and it will be hard for Ikorodu United who are newcomers to leave Nnewi without a defeat against the Ubah Boys whose flying form this season is still a surprise to many pundits.
IfeanyiUbah FC are currently placed ninth on the NPFL standings with seven points and they are three points adrift current leaders, Enugu Rangers.
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