Kano
Pillars, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi, Kwara United, Warri Wolves and Enugu
Rangers are all in with a shout to dislodge table-topping Enyimba after the
Matchday 27 games. Really interesting to see seven clubs vying for top spot of
the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this Saturday and Sunday.
In
my book, Kano Pillars do have a realistic chance of wresting the top position
from the resurgent Enyimba. Here's a full review of this weekend's matches:
Saturday,
August 24, 2013
Kwara United v
Enyimba (Kwara State Stadium)
In
the first instalment this season, Kwara United took a point off Enyimba in Aba.
But the form guides of both teams have changed since that 0 – 0 outcome in
April.
Coming
off a Cup triumph in mid-week that ensured they reached their fifth final in
eight years, Enyimba's engines are certainly well-oiled for this game as
they've gone three league matches unbeaten now. Kwara United have lost their
earlier spark this season and the absence of Adamu Yahaya seemed to have taken
a chunk of fight out of them. Enyimba can pull off a result in Ilorin.
My prediction:
1 – 1
Bayelsa United
v ABS (Samson Siasia Stadium)
ABS
head coach, Kabir Dogo, is under pressure and could face the exit door should
they lose to Bayelsa United who I expect not to drop points in this game.
Dogo's
men will have to put up an improved display as Bayelsa United have won their
last three home games, scoring eight goals and conceding just once. A tough
afternoon awaits ABS in Yenagoa.
My prediction:
2 – 0
El-Kanemi Warriors
v Warri Wolves (El-Kanemi Stadium)
This
is going to be some clash - fourth-placed El-Kanemi Warriors going up against
Wolves in sixth. Wolves thrashed El-Kanemi 4 – 1 in the first game this season
and they face a big challenge in Maiduguri.
Junior
Rafael Boumsong has scored four goals in El-Kanemi's last five games. Wolves
have a mountain to climb against a team that have not conceded a goal in their
last six home matches.
My prediction:
2 – 0
Kano Pillars v
Sharks (Sani Abacha Stadium)
Sharks
have enjoyed a five-game unbeaten streak which has helped them out of the
bottom four. But they face Kano Pillars, who they've not won a league game
against since July 2011.
The
last time both teams met in Kano in a league game, Pillars ran out with a 4 – 0
win but I don't think this game will be a high-scoring match. However the Kano
club should win this.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Dolphins v
Enugu Rangers (Liberation Stadium)
Rangers
go into this game without scoring a goal in their last six away games. Dolphins
have not done any better either after losing their last three matches including
a recent 1 – 2 home loss to city rivals, Sharks.
For
me, this game is somehow evenly poised. But I'll still tip Dolphins to win this
and tie Rangers on same points though the Enugu club will remain ahead of them.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Gombe United v
Nasarawa United (Pantami Stadium)
Kadiri
Ikhana assumes the head coach role at Nasarawa United in his first league game
after being appointed this week on a short-term contract. His first task is at
Gombe United who have won 12 of their 13 home matches this term.
I
think Gombe United will add to Nasarawa United's misery especially with Maurice
Cooreman having a squad that have been decent in home games this term.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Sunday,
August 25, 2013
Wikki Tourists
v Sunshine Stars (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)
The
Tourists will be keen to take a leap out of the bottom four this weekend. I'm
backing them to do so because Sunshine Stars have not scored in 11 straight
away games since March 28.
I
expect the like of Tunde Aremu, Bolaji Sakin, Shuaibu Ibrahim, Solomon Jabason,
Alaba Johnson and goalkeeper Ayo Segun should lift Wikki if they feature in
this tie.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Akwa United v
3SC (Uyo Township Stadium; live on SuperSport Select)
This
is the dogfight of this matchday as both teams sit just above the bottom four.
Akwa United go into this tie after a disappointing semifinal loss in the Cup to
Warri Wolves in mid-week and on that premise will be fired to dump 3SC.
In
the reverse game this term, 3SC won with a flattering 4 – 1 scoreline and
Gbolahan Salami masterminded that result. But he won't be available for this
game while Akwa United's Mfon Udoh will be lurking. The odd goal will settle
this contest.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Lobi Stars v
Heartland (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
In
the first meeting this season David Tyavkase's brace of goals and Isah Akor's
strike were good enough to see Heartland win 3 – 0. But recent poor run
including just two wins in their last eight games mean the Naze Millionaires
are just a point above the drop zone.
In
the last two instalments of this contest, Lobi, who were just dumped out of the
Cup by table-topping Enyimba, have won without conceding. It will be a cagey
game but I'll put my money on Lobi to win.
My prediction:
1 – 0
Kaduna United
v Nembe City (Kaduna Township Stadium)
I
would have tipped Kaduna United to score as many goals as possible in this game
but they've not been a high-scoring team. City are not in the best mental state
for this tie having downed tools by not training for a whole week in protest of
unpaid wages.
Ndubuisi
Ekwuruibe and Linus Adams should be back in Kaduna United's squad for this and
will make their presence count. I don't see Nembe City stopping the Crocodiles
from getting their 12th league win of this season.
My prediction:
2 – 0
•The
Predictor got five correct results including one exact score in the previous
matchday.
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