The derby between Kwara United and ABS is expected to light up Ilorin from 4pm local time.
July 7, 2013
Enyimba v Enugu Rangers (Enyimba Sports Stadium)
Enyimba have started the second round on a winning note and will look to turn on the style against southeast rivals. Rangers have been enmeshed in unsavoury transfer news in past weeks and this could affect their mental strength in Aba.
I expect one or two of the new Enyimba signings to be named in the squad as the Flying Antelopes have a mountain to climb in Aba where they have not scored or picked a point from this same fixture in the last 10 years. The last time Rangers took a point in Aba was in November 2001 when they secured a 1-1 draw. But I won't put a naira on Rangers scoring in Aba.
My prediction: 2-0
Nembe City v Heartland (Samson Siasia Stadium)
City are out to complete the double on Heartland this term after winning the first meeting 2-1 in Owerri. Heartland go into this tie with just one win in their last five matches. John Aranka's team are no doubt depleted following some high-profile departures but I'll tip them to win this.
My prediction: 1-0
Kano Pillars v Wikki Tourists (Sani Abacha Stadium)
This is the 20th head-to-head meeting between both teams since the Premier League era started in 2003. Champions and table-topping Pillars have won 10 of those meetings against Wikki's six and the Kano club are in line to make it a double on the Tourists this season after winning the reverse fixture via Rabiu Ali's goal.
The last time Kano Pillars did the double on Wikki was in 2010 and they look set to repeat that feat. I expect Ali to once again run the show in Kano though Wikki will show a bit of resistance as they have the like of Ibrahim Babale, Festus Umanah, Ibrahim Shuaibu and Alaba Johnson among others.
My prediction: 2-1
Lobi Stars v Bayelsa United (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
After getting thrashed 0-4 at Wikki in mid-week, Lobi Stars will regroup to eke out a result against Bayelsa United as they are just above the drop zone.
Bayelsa United have not lost to Lobi in a league game since November 2008. I reckon Lobi Stars will edge this by the odd goal.
My prediction: 1-0
Dolphins v Akwa United (Liberation Stadium)
Akwa United make a short trip from Uyo to Port Harcourt but it looks like a trip that will end fruitless in my book. The Promise Keepers have struggled on the road this term and have taken just a point from 30.
If Isiaka Olawale, Chigozie Ihunda, Fred Okwara, Ifeanyi Egwim and Victor Ezuruike feature I believe they will put The Promise Keepers to the sword.
My prediction: 2-0
Gombe United v 3SC (Pantami Stadium)
I think 3SC could find themselves in troubled zone after this game as they've taken just a point on the road all season. I still don't understand why 3SC keep struggling in away matches in spite of the quality in their squad. They've got fine footballers in Gbolahan Salami, Philip Asuquo, Tony Edjomariegwe, Moses Ogaga, Mutiu Adegoke and Olabisi Samuel and yet keep struggling.
Gombe United may have lost their leading scorer in Bishop Onyeudo to Enyimba, they'll turn to youngster Sani Mohammed as well as Babangida Ibrahim and the experienced Victor Barnabas to help down the Ibadan club.
My prediction: 1-0
Kwara United v ABS (Kwara State Stadium; live on SS9)
The Ilorin derby takes centre stage with Kwara United yet to defeat ABS in a top flight game. The Afonja Warriors are also yet to score against ABS in five head-to-head meetings including a 0-0 draw in the reverse game in March this year.
I think this game will produce end-to-end stuff as Kwara United look good to produce a first win over their city rivals. Yahaya Adamu is one man to watch in this tie.
My prediction: 1-0
Kaduna United v Sunshine Stars (Kaduna Township Stadium)
Sunshine Stars have gone 450 minutes of football in their away games without a goal or a point, and face a stern test from the Crocodiles. The Akure Gunners have not won a point in their trips to the north this season.
Kaduna United have blown hot and cold this term and I find it hard to single out who will pop up with their goal(s). But they will win this and just one goal will do and it's likely Dele Olorundare might feature in this game if released by the Super Eagles selectors.
My prediction: 1-0
Warri Wolves v Sharks (Warri City Stadium)
Wolves are on a five-game unbeaten streak and I expect them to extend the run - no disrespect to Sharks. The Blue Angels are yet to convince me that they will beat the drop this season based on the outcome of their away games.
It will take blood and sweat for Sharks to knock off the wind out of Wolves' sail as the Warri club are on a roll. Surely they'll win this even without their influential striker, Oghenekaro Etebo.
My prediction: 3-1
El-Kanemi Warriors v Nasarawa United (El-Kanemi Stadium)
The Warriors are yet to concede in their last three home games unlike Nasarawa United who are on a run of not scoring in four away games. In the first clash this season, both teams played out a goalless. I'm picking Raphael Boumsong as the main man for El-Kanemi in this tie and he star in what will be a win for the hosts.
My prediction: 2-0
*The Predictor came up with five correct results with no exact scores.
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