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| NPFL official match ball |
MFM FC's Wednesday night clash with Kano Pillars got fans buzzing excitedly and a jam-packed Agege Stadium, Lagos was proof that the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is not only growing in leaps and bounds, but more disciples are being converted daily.
The league table itself is taking a nice shape. Contenders steadily arrowing their way to the summit while strugglers continue their self-inflicting streak.
Well, more of same is expected as the league continues this weekend with mouth-watering and traditionally tension-filled clashes.
Sunshine Stars vs Shooting Stars
Sunshine Stars welcome neighbours Shooting Stars in one of the weekend's derbies. Unlike at this stage last season, the Akure-based outfit are struggling, yet to find a win and are placed at the foot of the table. But league positions are usually forgotten in this tie and Sunshine Stars who impressed in Wednesday's away draw could be savouring a chance to get their season on track.
Rangers vs Enyimba (Match of the week)
Table-topping Rangers welcome defending champions Enyimba in Sunday's Oriental Derby. This fixture last season saw Enyimba run away with a late 1-0 win.
Enyimba remains unbeaten in Enugu for two years, but this time they will be up against a different Rangers side who looking like a side that want to end a 32 year old title wait.. One that has indicated with recent performances that they intend to end a 32-year-old title wait.
Rangers won the league last in 1984.
Kano Pillars vs Ifeanyiubah
Kano Pillars welcome high flying FC Ifeanyiubah to Kano on Sunday. The Masu Gida boys are third on the log with a game in hand and will be buoyed by their midweek showing in Lagos where they battled a point off the hosts, MFM.
But the visitors are no pushovers themselves especially with their array of foreigners (especially the Brazilian pair) causing problems for defence.
Warri wolves vs Lobi Stars
Lobi Stars head to Warri to face the Sea siders who saw their continental campaign dash to pieces in Sudan last weekend. Their midweek draw in Uyo could either mean that the resilient, dogged, tough-fighting Wolves of last season are back or was that a flash in the pan? Sunday will tell. In form striker
Ikorodu United vs Rivers United
Two under-pressure teams go head to head in Lagos when Ikorodu United play Stanley Eguma's Rivers United in Lagos. Ikorodu United are without a win in six games while Eguma's Rivers United have not won any match away this season.The coach Stanley Eguma have been given a three match Ultimatum to turn things around.
Plateau United vs MFM
The other Lagos team MFM are away in Jos to play an improving Plateau United side. Victory in Jos will be crucial in sustaining their early season momentum more so with Rangers next in line for them.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Nasarawa United
El-Kanemi Warriors built on a 2-1 win over FC Ifeanyiubah last weekend with a well-earned point at Giwa FC in midweek. They face a Nasarawa United side still licking their wounds following their exit in the continent.
The visitors routed their way to the continent by picking points in tough away grounds, something Ladan Bosso must be wary of.
Nasarawa claimed their first win of the season when they defeated Ikorodu united 2-0 in Lafia in week 8.
Heartland Fc vs Giwa Fc
Giwa FC on the other hand are away at Heartland. Potential banana skin for a Heartland side struggling for goals at the moment. But this being a five-goal thriller last season; fans would be expectant for more of such.
Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes
Abia Warriors still unbeaten so far this season welcome Niger Tornadoes to the Umuahia Township Stadium. Warriors captain and Super Eagles defender Austin Obaroakpo said his side would happily have given up the unbeaten tag for three points in at least two of their last three home games. Pillars, Wikki and Rangers all left Umuahia with a point leaving the side in mid-table and in Tornadoes, they have an opponent who will gladly take a point.
Akwa United vs Ikorodu United
Akwa United are without a win since thrashing Ikorodu United 3-0 more than a week ago and they make the trip to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists. The Tourists who got yet another away point in Umuahia in midweek are aware two of Akwa United's top strikers are away on national assignment but must realize this is no time to take anything for granted.
