Saturday, December 18, 2010
Niger Tornadoes v Sunshine Stars
Gbenga Ogunbote’s men head into this game against Tornadoes as leaders of the MTN Nigeria Premier League. In their last five games, Sunshine Stars have lost just once, winning the others – the best in-form team of the topflight. The question is: ‘Will Sunshine Stars become the first side to stay top for two straight weeks?’ Last season, Tornadoes won this same fixture by one-nil but this time they will play behind closed-doors and that could tilt the tide.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Wednesday, March 12, 2003: Sunshine Stars 2 – 1 Niger Tornadoes
Saturday, August 9, 2003: Niger Tornadoes 0 – 0 Sunshine Stars
Saturday, January 12, 2008: Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Sunshine Stars
Wednesday, January 30, 2008: Sunshine Stars 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
Saturday, January 17, 2009: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 1 Sunshine Stars
Wednesday, February 25, 2009: Sunshine Stars 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
Saturday, December 19, 2009: Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Sunshine Stars
Sunday, May 16, 2010: Sunshine Stars 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United v Lobi Stars
Last season, goals in each half from Soga Sambo and Nasiru Ali for Kwara United was enough to see off Lobi Stars. Still savouring their first win on the road, Kadiri Ikhana’s Kwara United look set to climb into the top three depending on the results of the first five sides on the log. Lobi Stars have won just twice in five games and have been poor on the road. Anthony Okemiri, Isiaka Olawale, Gbenga Arokoyo and others should ensure the points for Kwara in this tie.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, February 26, 2005: Kwara United 2 – 1 Lobi Stars
Sunday, August 7, 2005: Lobi Stars 1 – 1 Kwara United
Saturday, November 20, 2007: Kwara United 1 – 1 Lobi Stars
Sunday, February 17, 2008: Lobi Stars 3 – 2 Kwara United
Saturday, November 28, 2009: Kwara United 2 – 0 Lobi Stars
Sunday, April 11, 2010: Lobi Stars 2 – 1 Kwara United
Plateau United v Enyimba
This is Enyimba’s worst start to the league since 2001 when they won their first title. Form guide from last five games leaves the champions with two wins and three losses and out of the top half of the league. The trip to Plateau United presents the former African champions a tricky test especially with Plateau coach, Ndubuisi Nduka, needing a win to convince his employers of his capabilities. On paper, Enyimba looks good but Plateau should nick this.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Sunday, March 23, 2003: Enyimba 1 – 0 Plateau United
Wednesday, September 10, 2003: Plateau United 2 – 1 Enyimba
Wednesday, March 31, 2004: Enyimba 1 – 0 Plateau United
Wednesday, July 28, 2004: Plateau United 0 – 2 Enyimba
Sharks v Bukola Babes
The Blue Angels have won twice and drawn twice in their last five games and go into this tie as favourites. The Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt is enough to intimidate Bukola Babes’ youngsters. But expect the Babes with the likes of Henry Ubom, Olayiwola Ayeleso, Seun Sogbesan and Akeem Audu to lead the fight against the more experienced Sharks. But John Obuh’s side will pick all points.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Gombe United v Zamfara United
In eight past meetings between the two sides since April 2005, Zamfara United have won four games to Gombe’s two with the others ending in draws. But in spite of Zamfara’s superior stats, their last visit to Gombe ended in 0 – 3 with Bala Manu, Ifeanyi Okoro and Haruna Babalo getting the goals. Both teams also have identical form guide of two wins, two losses and a draw from their last five games. We tip Bernard Ogbe’s men to win this.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, April 30, 2005: Gombe United 1 – 0 Zamfara United
Saturday, October 8, 2005: Zamfara United 1 – 0 Gombe United
Sunday, January 13, 2008: Zamfara United 2 – 1 Gombe United
Wednesday, January 30, 2008: Gombe United 1 – 1 Zamfara United
Sunday, December 14, 2008: Gombe United 0 – 0 Zamfara United
Sunday, April 26, 2009: Zamfara United 2 – 1 Gombe United
Wednesday, January 27, 2010: Gombe United 3 – 0 Zamfara United
Sunday, June 13, 2010: Zamfara United 1 – 0 Gombe United
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Warri Wolves v Ocean Boys (PP)
Kaduna United v Dolphins
Sani Aruwa, Jude Aneke and Papa Idris were the heroes last season for Kaduna United when Dolphins succumbed 3 – 0. The three men are still part of Maurice Cooreman’s team this season with Aruwa and Aneke being more involved in the thick of things. Both men are capable of hurting Dolphins after Stanley Eguma’s side went on a strike to press for their unpaid wages. Kaduna United need a win and this looks like it.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, February 6, 2010: Dolphins 2 – 1 Kaduna United
Sunday, May 30, 2010: Kaduna United 3 – 0 Dolphins
Crown FC v Juth FC
Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth) Football Club head coach, Tunde Abdulrahman, begins a two-game ultimatum at Ilaro. Last time both sides met was in the off-season playoff to decide the champions of the National Division. Crown Football Club won that tie by 3 – 1. This clash of newcomers in the topflight puts Crown heads and shoulders above The Healers, who occupy last spot on the table. Juth are the only side without a win and that should remain so. They should also go into the yuletide break as basement boys.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Recent head-to-head
None
Heartland v Kano Pillars
The Super Sunday in the MTN Premier League begins with this clash at the bumpy turf of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. Last season, Kano Pillars lost this game 0 – 2 and Emeka ‘Ayaya’ Nwanna and Bello Kofarmata scored for Heartland. Both men will not be in tie, as Ayaya moved to rivals, Rangers while Kofarmata is on trials abroad. Pillars best outing at Owerri since 2003 remains their 1 – 1 draw two years ago. Salisu Yusuf’s team will hope for a result in Owerri in this difficult contest.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, March 30, 2003: Kano Pillars 1 – 0 Nationale (now Heartland)
Saturday, May 18, 2003: Nationale (now Heartland) 1 – 0 Kano Pillars
Wednesday, April 14, 2004: Kano Pillars 2 – 1 Nationale (now Heartland)
Sunday, August 22, 2004: Nationale (now Heartland) 1 – 0 Kano Pillars
Saturday, January 20, 2007: Kano Pillars 1 – 1 Heartland
Saturday, November 10, 2007: Kano Pillars 3 – 0 Heartland
Sunday, March 16, 2008: Heartland 1 – 1 Kano Pillars
Saturday, January 3, 2009: Kano Pillars 2 – 1 Heartland
Saturday, June 6, 2009: Heartland 2 – 1 Kano Pillars
Sunday, October 4, 2009: Heartland 4 – 0 Kano Pillars
Saturday, October 10, 2009: Kano Pillars 0 – 1 Heartland
Sunday, October 18, 2009: Kano Pillars 4 – 0 Heartland
Thursday, April 1, 2010: Heartland 2 – 0 Kano Pillars
Enugu Rangers v Shooting Stars
This is officially the 70th game on the calendar of the NPL and that shows how special this game is to Nigeria’s top-flight. Shooting Stars last three trips to Enugu have ended in defeats and it is worse because the Oluyole Warriors are yet to score on the road against the Flying Antelopes. Also, do not expect to see five goals from Rangers because Shooting Stars are no Zamfara United or Ocean Boys. But Alphonsus Dike’s men look primed for all points.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Sunday, May 9, 2004: Enugu Rangers 2 – 0 Shooting Stars
Wednesday, September 22, 2004: Shooting Stars 2 – 1 Enugu Rangers
Saturday, March 12, 2005: Shooting Stars 1 – 0 Enugu Rangers
Sunday, August 21, 2005: Enugu Rangers 2 – 0 Shooting Stars
Saturday, December 5, 2009: Shooting Stars 0 – 0 Enugu Rangers
Sunday, April 25, 2010: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Shooting Stars
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