Match Day 3 starts off on Friday with a game in Owerri while there will be two live matches including the big clash billed for Enugu.
Friday, March 21
Heartland v Sharks (Dan Anyiam Stadium)
In the premier league era, Sharks have won twice at Heartland by identical scorelines of 1-0 in 2010 and 2012 and also have avoided defeat in 2011 by playing a goalless draw. However, Heartland have gone on to win the six other matches since 2003.
Sharks head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has already deflected the pressure off his team ahead of this Friday clash saying: "That Dolphins went there (Owerri) to draw (against Heartland) doesn't matter because Sharks and Dolphins are two different teams."
Heartland are still without their captain, Chinedu Efugh [injured], but I don't think that will hinder them from taking the full points.
My prediction: 1-0
Saturday, March 22
FC Taraba v El-Kanemi Warriors (Jolly Nyame Stadium)
Ndubuisi Nduka's boys got a footballing lesson in the premier division of some sorts from Kaduna United on Match Day 2. Certainly they will look to get back to winning way against El-Kanemi Warriors.
Coincidentally, El-Kanemi Warriors head coach, Salisu Yusuf will lead his men to a club he managed in 2012. But will Yusuf find joy on his return to Jalingo? I doubt that based on the Warriors' pedigree on the road from last season.
My prediction: 2-0
Enugu Rangers v Kano Pillars (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium; live on SS9)
This is certainly the pick of Match Day 3. Pillars were close to losing their unbeaten run at home of over a decade before Gambo Muhammad's late goal saved the day. Gambo will be unavailable for this trip to Enugu.
Rangers have been dominant in this same fixture in 11 previous meetings winning 10 losing once. The only time Rangers lost to Pillars in the premier league era was on July 3, 2011 when Musa Musa got the winner. Since then Pillars have suffered 1-3 and 0-4 defeats in their last two trips to Enugu. Seriously Pillars stand no chance this time.
My prediction: 3-1
Sunday, March 23
Crown FC v Dolphins (Lekan Salami Stadium)
Dolphins began the season on the road at Heartland and took a point from that clash. This is their second road trip of the season as they're yet to play at home.
In the 2010/2011 season, Dolphins did the double on Crown FC with Chidi Osuchukwu scoring the lone strike in this same fixture in January 2011. But Dolphins are a more changed squad under Stanley Eguma this season following a few departures in their playing personnel. It's just so difficult for me to make a call against Dolphins now.
My prediction: 1-1
Akwa United v Kaduna United (Uyo Township Stadium)
Yes Kaduna United may have overran new boys FC Taraba in the previous match day, I still don't think their team have got that strength to get a result on the road. Akwa United for me are the surprise team of this season so far with Nnamso Edo displaying he can lead his troops well.
Kaduna United are yet to pick a point on the road since June 2012 when they drew goalless at Jigawa Golden Stars. Akwa United have a decent side and I do expect them to win.
My prediction: 2-0
Lobi Stars v Gombe United (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
It's been 11 years since Gombe United's 3-1 feat at Lobi Stars. Since that time, they've only managed a draw in the next 10 meetings of this fixture.
Maurice Cooreman has done enough to shore up his playing personnel this season but his team are still yet to win a point on the road in more than one season now. Katsina-Ala doesn't look like where they'll end that poor run.
My prediction: 1-0
Wednesday, March 26
Warri Wolves v Enyimba (Warri City Stadium)
Enyimba have got an impressive record at Wolves in the premier league era. In the last seven meetings of this same fixture, they've won twice in 2004 and 2009 and have drawn twice including a 0-0 scoreline in this same game last season.
Wolves head coach, Paul Aigbogun will face the team he worked with as an assistant coach last season. He will also be wary of the fact that Enyimba defeated Wolves during the pre-season tournament. I reckon this will be a cagey game and will end in points being shared.
My prediction: 0-0
Bayelsa United v Nasarawa United (Sapele Township Stadium; live on SS9)
Bayelsa United head coach, Richard Bubagha, has maintained an unbeaten run in all competitions since he took charge following Ladan Bosso's departure to Abia Warriors. He has led them to a win over Sharks and a draw at Gombe United in the league and has also chalked up a good run in the Caf Confederation Cup.
On the other hand, Nasarawa United appear not to have got over Victor Namo's absence just yet, and are yet to win in two league games in which they've managed just a goal. It's full marks for Bayelsa United.
My prediction: 2-1
•The Predictor got four correct results including two exact scores in the previous match day.
tips will not help..... they have to perform well in every game.
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