The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) enters its ninth round with some interesting ties. But one game (Juth FC versus Kano Pillars) has been called off by the Premier League on grounds of security following the Christmas Eve explosion that rocked the Nigerian city of Jos. Nine instead of 10 games will hold this weekend.
January 1, 2011
Niger Tornadoes v Bukola Babes
This is the first meeting between the two sides in the topflight and it will take place on a neutral ground – Kaduna – though Tornadoes are at home. This game has the potential of swinging in favour of any of the two sides. Bukola Babes have the capability of picking a point off Tornadoes in this game.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Recent head-to-head
None
Kwara United v Ocean Boys
Ocean Boys in their last five games have won twice and lost twice with the other game ending in a draw. Larry Eceli’s men have been very poor on the road and that has been the reason for their being rooted in the relegation zone so early in the season. On the other hand, coach Kadiri Ikhana has enough talent such as Anthony Okemiri, Barnabas Imenger, Kelvin Kpakor, Kareem Yekeen, Daniel Philemon, Jimoh Sherif and Gbenga Arokoyo at his disposal in claiming all points.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
April 24, 2010: Kwara United 1 – 0 Ocean Boys
December 5, 2009: Ocean Boys 1 – 1 Kwara United
March 5, 2008: Ocean Boys 2 – 0 Kwara United
October 27, 2007: Kwara United 2 – 1 Ocean Boys
March 11, 2007: Ocean Boys 2 – 1 Kwara United
January 17, 2007: Kwara United 1 – 1 Ocean Boys
September 10, 2006: Ocean Boys 0 – 0 Kwara United
Gombe United v Shooting Stars
It is definitely going to be a tortuous journey for the Oluyole Warriors, who are still seeking their first points off Gombe United on the road. Both clubs have exhibited poor forms in their last five games with three losses and two wins apiece. But that poor form guide should not hamper the Desert Scorpions from inflicting a fourth defeat of the season on Shooting Stars, whose best away record in this campaign remains the 2 – 2 draw at Zamfara United.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
July 7, 2010: Shooting Stars 1 – 0 Gombe United
January 17, 2010: Gombe United 2 – 0 Shooting Stars
July 22, 2006: Shooting Stars 1 – 0 Gombe United
May 14, 2006: Gombe United 2 – 0 Shooting Stars
October 16, 2005: Gombe United 1 – 0 Shooting Stars
May 7, 2005: Shooting Stars 1 – 0 Gombe United
Sharks v Enyimba
In this same corresponding fixture last season, the champions, Enyimba, won by 3 – 2. But this time, the Blue Angels, still smarting from their Wafu Club Cup triumph, will aim to keep themselves within touching distance of the leading pack of the Premier League log. Enyimba’s biggest undoing this season has been motivation being at its lowest ebb among players – and that has been responsible for their recurring one-nil victories at home and losses on the road.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
March 28, 2010: Enyimba 2 – 1 Sharks
November 18, 2009: Sharks 2 – 3 Enyimba
February 25, 2009: Enyimba 1 – 0 Sharks
January 17, 2009: Sharks 0 – 0 Enyimba
February 10, 2008: Enyimba 2 – 1 Sharks
October 13, 2007: Sharks 1 – 0 Enyimba
July 23, 2006: Sharks 2 – 1 Enyimba
May 14, 2006: Enyimba 2 – 0 Sharks
October 26, 2005: Sharks 3 – 1 Enyimba
April 3, 2005: Enyimba 2 – 0 Sharks
September 2, 2003: Enyimba 4 – 2 Sharks
March 19, 2003: Sharks 1 – 1 Enyimba
January 2, 2011
Crown FC v Dolphins
For the first time, Crown Football Club will play host to Dolphins in the Premier League and with the intention to continue their stride of giant-killing. Crown FC have not been effective on the road but at home they have become the giant-killers – beating Kwara United and Kano Pillars. This game will underline Dolphins’ credentials as one of the title contenders though I fear they will leave Ilaro with no point.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
None
Heartland v Lobi Stars
Lobi Stars will head to Owerri searching for their first win in five years against Heartland. In 14 meetings dating back to 2003, Lobi Stars have won just twice against Heartland’s seven. On the road against the Naze Millionaires, Lobi Stars are yet to pick a point in the past seven seasons and that will not change this time. Osas Okoro and Stanley Ohawuchi are tipped to get their names among the scorers for Heartland if they are called up by coach Emmanuel Osigwe.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Recent head-to-head
May 19, 2010: Heartland 1 – 0 Lobi Stars
January 10, 2010: Lobi Stars 1 – 1 Heartland
March 1, 2009: Heartland 3 – 1 Lobi Stars
October 19, 2008: Lobi Stars 2 – 2 Heartland
January 30, 2008: Lobi Stars 1 – 1 Heartland
January 13, 2008: Heartland 2 – 0 Lobi Stars
July 2, 2006: Heartland 4 – 0 Lobi Stars
April 27, 2006: Lobi Stars 0 – 0 Heartland
November 20, 2005: Lobi Stars 2 - 0 Nationale (now Heartland)
June 19, 2005: Nationale (now Heartland) 1 – 0 Lobi Stars
June 6, 2004: Nationale (now Heartland) 1 – 0 Lobi Stars
March 3, 2004: Lobi Stars 1 – 0 Nationale (now Heartland)
September 11, 2003: Nationale (now Heartland) 3 – 0 Lobi Stars
March 23, 2003: Lobi Stars 1 - 1 Nationale (now Heartland)
Enugu Rangers v Plateau United
The Flying Antelopes have been unpredictable this season. Twice they came up with five goals at home but on the road they have struggled and that is why their form guide in last five games reads: two wins, three losses. It is also same form guide for basement boys, Plateau United, who conceded five goals in their Week 8 game at Kano Pillars. In Enugu, there will be no hiding place for Ndubuisi Nduka’s men though I do not see Rangers scoring five this time.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
August 19, 2004: Plateau United 2 – 0 Enugu Rangers
March 21, 2004: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Plateau United
June 28, 2003: Plateau United 2 – 1 Enugu Rangers
February 19, 2003: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Plateau United
Warri Wolves v Zamfara United
On paper, I will hand Warri Wolves this game without kicking a ball though Paul Aigbogun’s men have slipped out of the top 10 on the log – but with a game at hand. Last term, Zamfara United’s visit to Wolves ended in a heavy defeat of 5 – 0. Wolves even while they were known as NPA did not drop points against Zamfara at home and look good to continue that domination.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Recent head-to-head
March 4, 2010: Zamfara United 2 – 0 Warri Wolves
September 20, 2009: Warri Wolves 5 – 0 Zamfara United
February 11, 2009: Zamfara United 0 – 0 Warri Wolves
September 21, 2008: Warri Wolves 2 – 0 Zamfara United
November 5, 2005: NPA (now Warri Wolves) 2 – 1 Zamfara United
May 29, 2005: Zamfara United 2 – 2 NPA (now Warri Wolves)
Kaduna Utd v Sunshine Stars
Gbenga Ogunbote’s men will seek to continue their leadership position on the log against Kaduna United on the road. This game will be a big test for Sunshine Stars – who are the first side to remain top of the league for more than a week this season. Last two visits to Kaduna have ended in a draw and a loss including last season’s 1 – 1 draw on September 28, 2009. Kaduna United’s form has dipped and that is why they have won just once in their last five games. Sunshine Stars should pick a point even without Ukeyima Akombo.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Recent head-to-head
March 7, 2010: Sunshine Stars 2 – 1 Kaduna United
September 28, 2009: Kaduna United 1 – 1 Sunshine Stars
April 26, 2009: Kaduna United 1 – 0 Sunshine Stars
December 14, 2008: Sunshine Stars 3 – 2 Kaduna United
No comments:
Post a Comment