There will also be a double-header in Kano this mid-week with champions, Kano Pillars and Heartland being the much anticipated clash.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
El-Kanemi Warriors v Gombe United (Kano Pillars Stadium; 2pm)
Gombe United are still searching for their first point on the road in two years. Coincidentally, the last time they drew away was in Kano against Pillars on April 21, 2012. Now they return to Kano but this time to face El-Kanemi.
Salisu Yusuf's Warriors have shown that they have character. Though they lost 0-2 to Sharks at the weekend, I think it will take a super performance for Gombe United to get a result against them.
My prediction: 2-0
Kano Pillars v Heartland (Kano Pillars Stadium)
I find it strange that both teams are in the bottom-four so early in the season. But Heartland are on a high from winning their first game of the season and against one of their southeast rivals, Enyimba. The Naze Millionaires have had no joy in the Premier League era during visits to Kano except when they won 1-0 in the Caf Champions League in October 2009.
Kano Pillars have not shown champions stuff this term and are on a run of two straight defeats compared to Heartland with five unbeaten streak. Heartland's head coach, Kelechi Emeteole, loves playing Pillars and I feel the Owerri will eke out a result in Kano.
My prediction: 1-1
Sunshine Stars v Bayelsa United (Akure Township Stadium)
Bayelsa United now have just the league to focus on after Sewe Sport beat them to reach the Caf Confederation Cup group stage. I expect Sunshine Stars to test Bayelsa United to ascertain if they've shaken off their disappointment on the continent.
United head coach, Richard Bubagha will be keen to set up his team to show that he's capable of managing the first team in the wake of former Super Eagles manager Samson Siasia being linked with taking charge of the team. This season Sunshine Stars have struggled at home but have won twice. They should win this as Bayelsa United will still have the continental hangover.
My prediction: 1-0
Kaduna United v Nasarawa United (Ahmadu Bello Stadium)
It's now three consecutive league matches and Kaduna United are yet to win a point. Their new coach, Abubakar Hassan, now has the onerous task of ensuring that the Crocodiles start winning games again as they're now second from bottom.
Interestingly Nasarawa United have quietly gone about their business this term. That has put them in fifth spot on the log. Baba Ganaru has so far gone about weaving Nasarawa United into a unit which makes it difficult to single out any individual for praise. Kaduna United should brace up for a tight contest which they'll win by an odd goal though.
My prediction: 1-0
Nembe City v Sharks (Krisdera Hotel Stadium)
Bottom-placed Nembe City go up against table-toppers Sharks. Against all odds at the weekend, City took a point at Crown FC while Sharks needed two spot kicks to undo a plucky El-Kanemi. This is the tie I'll love to keep tabs on.
As much as City got their first draw on the road last weekend, I just feel they'll still have to wait for their first win of the season and no disrespect to them. Sharks in their present form are just capable of anything.
My prediction: 0-0
Enugu Rangers v Akwa United (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)
Last season, Akwa United lost 1-3 in this game and this season they've already dropped all points in the southeast when they first made the short trip to Aba to face Enyimba. It appears Akwa United have hit a bad patch after failing to win in their last two games including a 2-2 draw at home to Sunshine Stars.
Rangers will see this as a good time to face The Promise Keepers but the question is can they take advantage? John Obuh's team have stuttered in their last four matches winning just once. For me, Akwa United do have a chance to get a result in Enugu.
My prediction: 0-0
Enyimba v Crown FC (Enyimba Stadium)
The last time Crown were in the top flight, Enyimba did the double on them. This season Crown have lost all of their four away games, conceding six and scoring none - not a good away form guide to take to Enyimba.
I'm just wondering how Crown will keep Enyimba's rich forward line that include Sibi Gwar, Abdulrahman Bashir, Mfon Udoh and Andrew Abalogu among others at bay. But Enyimba are always their own enemies when you expect them to win these kind of games though I expect them to get the job done.
My prediction: 2-0
Dolphins v Abia Warriors (Liberation Stadium)
Abia Warriors are beginning to feel the strain of top flight football after back-to-back losses. Dolphins will further put Warriors' Premier League status to test in Port Harcourt this Wednesday.
Dolphins will be without two of their players, Tijani Adamu and Xavier Mendy. Both players are suspended for this tie. But that won't stop Stanley Eguma's men from squeezing out a win.
My prediction: 1-0
Giwa FC v Lobi Stars (Rwang Pam Stadium)
Giwa FC are aiming for a sixth consecutive game without defeat. I believe they can achieve that feat. Lobi, for me, occupy third position on the league table based solely on home wins. On the road, they've remained unimpressive - losing all four games, conceding eight goals and scoring none.
I fancy Giwa FC to climb into the top-four or five after this game.
My prediction: 2-0
Warri Wolves v FC Taraba (Warri City Stadium)
After an indifferent start to the season, Wolves are beginning to shape up like a side ready to compete for the league title though pundits might say it's still early days yet. FC Taraba will make their first-ever trip to the south, but with an away form guide of three losses.
Wolves have already faced two out of the four clubs promoted to the top flight this season and they've won. I don't fancy FC Taraba giving them any trouble.
My prediction: 3-0
•It was a straight five correct results from The Predictor without a perfect score from the previous match day.
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