It is 'Super Naija Sunday' with a top-of-the-table clash between Enyimba and Enugu Rangers in Aba. Both clubs are six-time champions but Rangers lead the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) standings with three points on the chasing pack. The People's Elephants, in second place, will seek to close that gap this Sunday.
There will also be a big survival battle at the other end of the table on Matchday 29. Jigawa Golden Stars will be in Ekiti to face basement boys, Rising Stars with the hope to re-enact their display last weekend at Sunshine Stars. Here's a full preview for this matchday:
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sharks v Sunshine Stars (Sharks FC Stadium)
Both teams are on a run of no wins in their last two games. Sharks were humiliated 1-4 at Warri Wolves in mid-week while the Akure Gunners lost by a goal at Kwara United. In the reverse game Sunshine Stars needed a late goal from Harrison Egbune to win 3-2.
Sunshine Stars' best result at Sharks till date was a 1-0 win in November 2009 but in this corresponding fixture last season, the hosts won 2-1. Expect the Blue Angels to bounce back from the huge loss in Warri.
Our prediction: 2-0
3SC v Wikki Tourists (Lekan Salami Stadium)
The hosts are on a three-match unbeaten streak and are aiming to make it four this Saturday. In the first fixture, the Tourists won 2-1 in Bauchi. But they have lost in their last three visits to 3SC since 2004.
The new signings have come good for 3SC and it is expected that they win this and climb into the top half of the log for the first time this season.
Our prediction: 2-1
Rising Stars v Jigawa Golden Stars (Oluyemi Kayode Stadium)
First-ever Premiership meeting between both sides ended goalless. Both teams are on a 'winless' streak - Rising Stars have not won in five games and the Golden Stars in four.
This is a relegation dogfight and a draw certainly looks on the card. The source of worry for Rising Stars have been goal-scoring.
Our prediction: 0-0
Niger Tornadoes v Akwa United (Bako Kontagora Stadium)
Goals from Ottobong Effiong and Haruna Babalo ensured that Akwa United won the first game this season by two-nil. But Akwa United head to Minna on a record of two back-to-back losses in their last two visits.
Justin Tenger's Tornadoes have not won in their last two games but have been strong at home. The Promise Keepers are up for a tough tie with Sibi Gwar tipped to score in this game.
Our prediction: 2-1
Kano Pillars v Warri Wolves (Sani Abacha Stadium)
This is another big clash in the NPL on this matchday, as Wolves go to Kano where they have failed to win in their last five visits and managed to score once.
Baba Ganaru's team have struggled in their last five games winning just once but in Kano, they have remained almost invincible with the trio of Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali and Mannir Ubale stepping up to the plate. It's impossible to look beyond a home win for Pillars.
Our prediction: 2-0
Kwara United v Gombe United (Ilorin Township Stadium)
It is expected that Kwara United should go on and complete the double on Gombe United after they won the first meeting 2-0 at the Pantami Stadium.
Gombe United travel to Ilorin once again without their leading scorer, Mustapha Babadidi, who is out with a long-term injury. The Afonja Warriors will just nick this with the odd goal.
Our prediction: 1-0
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Dolphins v ABS FC (Liberation Stadium)
The champions, Dolphins lost 0-2 to ABS in the reverse game in Ilorin. Lately Dolphins have not been clinical in their last three games in which they have not won.
There's been too much of picking and chopping in the starting 11 of Dolphins, so expect ABS to give them a run for their money. But ABS will miss the guile of Andrew Abalogu up front, as he is suspended. Dolphins will edge this game.
Our prediction: 2-1
Enyimba v Enugu Rangers (Enyimba Sports Stadium; live on SSL)
In seven trips to Aba since July 2003, table-toppers Rangers have not won a game or managed a point. Okey Emordi is aware of this and wants to change that record this time. "This team is capable of winning anywhere and Aba is no exception. But we know what to expect from Enyimba as they are a big team," Emordi told SuperSport.com.
Expect to see a ground full of talent - Josiah Maduabuchi, Chimezie Amanfor, Chinonso Okonkwo and co with Enyimba and the Rangers' deadly trio of Chikeluba Ofoedu, Ifeanyi Ede and Efe Yarhere. But this game should end in a draw. This match is live on SuperSport Select from 4pm Nigerian time (5pm CAT).
Our prediction: 1-1
Ocean Boys v Lobi Stars (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium)
For Ocean Boys, it is looking like the end of the road in the top flight. In the first game, Lobi thumped the Divine Warriors 3-0 with goals from Jonah Abutu, Henry Akile and David Tyavkase.
The hosts will miss Ugonna Ezenwaka, who is away with the Nigerian Under20s but they have Andrew Nwordu, Onoriode Odah and Eddy Ongolo to rely on. The 2006 champions will win this in a bid to give themselves a fighting chance of survival.
Our prediction: 2-1
*The Predictor posted SEVEN correct results including TWO exact scores from Matchday 27 last weekend.
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