The Predictor circles NPFL big games
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The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
continues this Sunday with mouthwatering contests that include two big
games and two derbies.
Former Caf Champions League winners Enyimba are up for their biggest test of the campaign when they face four-time league champions Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. The match is live on SuperSport 9 from 5pm CAT (4pm local time).
There is also the clash of Caf Champions League campaigners and last season's top-two in Port Harcourt between champions Enugu Rangers
and Rivers United.
Sunday, 5 March, 2017
RIVERS UNITED v ENUGU RANGERS
Last season the two teams produced eight goals in two meetings, so I am expecting that there will be goals in this game. Champions Rangers have been far from the side that cruised to the title last term, and many followers of the top flight feel the exit of Chisom Egbuchulam has affected them. Do I agree? Yes to some extent. One of the CANE is gone, so that leaves Bobby Clement, Godwin Aguda and Obinna Nwobodo without Egbuchulam. That's a a chess piece missing in Rangers' board.
Finally Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma admitted that his team are struggling to score goals in the league - an issue I pointed out in one of my past matchday previews. Six goals in nine is a poor return for a talented squad but nevertheless Eguma's men look every inch ahead of Rangers for this contest in my book.
My prediction: 1-0
ABS FC v KATSINA UNITED
The two promoted teams meet for the first time in the NPFL. I find it interesting that they are in the top-six though I still think they cannot sustain this for the long haul. ABS go into this game in third place and this offers them the chance to close the gap on the top-two after their 0-1 defeat at Rangers in midweek.
I think Katsina United will try to set up defensively and keep up with ABS who have a 100 per cent at home. If ABS will drop their perfect run at home, Katsina United do not look like that team that will halt it.
MFM FC v REMO STARS
It has such a memorable week for MFM FC. Their winger Sikiru Olatunbosun had his wonder strike voted CNN Goal of the Week and has the backing of many to be listed for the Fifa Puskas award. However, their midweek defeat at Katsina United was something I never saw coming though Fidelis Ilechukwu opted to make 11 changes to his team that defeated Rangers.
For all of their goal play, Remo Stars are just not putting the results on the board. Now five games without a win and their recently appointed head coach Fatai Osho still waiting for his first victory in charge, facing MFM who have not dropped points at home looks like trying to move Kilimanjaro out of Africa. This southwest derby looks beyond Remo Stars as MFM are my favourites to take the points as the face-to-face of leading scorers, Remo Stars captain Victor Mbaoma and Stephen Odey of MFM will catch the eye.
My prediction: 1-0
KANO PILLARS v ENYIMBA
There has been arguments over which is the bigger game - Kano Pillars versus Enyimba or Rivers United versus Rangers? I will join those rooting for the former and that remains the biggest considering they have 11 titles between them with the last five being won in this decade. Both teams might look off the pace but this remains a very big contest.
Last season, Enyimba did a first league double on Pillars but now they look too lightweight in my opinion after I juxtaposed both playing personnel side by side. The other time Enyimba won at Pillars was in 1998. This game tilts in Pillars' favour but I do not expect Enyimba to be run over.
My prediction: 2-1
3SC v PLATEAU UNITED
Table-toppers Plateau United have a game on their hands in Ibadan. Both teams were involved in two surprise results in midweek. Plateau United drew 0-0 at home to Lobi Stars and 3SC avoided defeat at Enyimba for the first time since 1998 after a 0-0 draw, though they will have their Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Tambe to thank for it.
The problem with 3SC this season is that they can choke when it matters most. Well I hear the experienced Ibrahim Ajani is back with the team and could play a role but Sunday Faleye remains their main source of goals. Plateau United have the hoodoo of Kennedy Boboye hanging over their head though, I expect them to grind out a result.
My prediction: 1-1
LOBI STARS v GOMBE UNITED
Gombe United have found it difficult to make any headway in their travels this season. They have lost all five away matches, and to make it worst they have not scored in 436 minutes of their travels at the moment. So where will the goals come from for them?
Lobi have Kingsley Eduwo in good form and their defence did so well at Plateau United in midweek in that 0-0 draw. There is also birthday boy Tony Okpotu who will be looking to make his mark in this game. All odds are against Gombe United in this game.
My prediction: 3-0
FC IFEANYIUBAH v ABIA WARRIORS
FC Ifeanyiubah have surprised everyone by sticking with their Ghana head coach Yaw Preko in the face of their stuttering run in the league. The only time they have been imperious was a 4-0 win over MFM on Matchday 2 in mid-January. After that they have laboured to 1-0 wins at home over Rangers and Plateau United with a 0-0 draw with Rivers United coming earlier.
Abia Warriors will be buoyed by the fact that they have never lost in this division to the big money spenders. Their last two visits to Nnewi have ended in draws but recent away form does not suggest good form for Warriors. I think FC Ifeanyiubah will win this by the usual odd goal.
My prediction: 1-0
NIGER TORNADOES v NASARAWA UNITED
It has been an unimpressive start to the season for Nasarawa United. We are already in the second quarter and they are yet to take-off which is strange as I know they usually become stronger after Matchday 10. For Tornadoes the story has been different. Seventh position and six points behind the leaders is a dream start for the Minna club.
Ebenezer Odeyemi and Chidiebere Ajoku continue to be the main men for Tornadoes. I am sure Kabiru Dogo will set up his team to keep the two at bay. Despite their struggles on the pitch, I think Nasarawa United can comes off Lokoja with something to cheer.
My prediction: 0-0
AKWA UNITED v EL-KANEMI WARRIORS
If there is a team to be wary of going into this matchday, it should be El-Kanemi. They are very high on confidence now and sit in second place tied on 21 points with leaders Plateau United, something I would have argued would happen this season. With a high percentage win of 64%, Abdu Maikaba will tell his Akwa United to stay on their feet.
It appears facing teams with winning runs is becoming a way of life for Akwa United this season. With recent performances at home, the Promise Keepers are on the up and that early slide they put behind them. So I am tipping them to see off El-Kanemi.
My prediction: 2-1
SUNSHINE STARS v WIKKI TOURISTS
Wikki have taken a slide far down from the height of their previous two, three seasons I have seen. Nothing suggests they will even compete for top-three places, and I know that talk of 'still early days' will creep in their defence. I fear this game could mark the start of pressure for their head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru.
Sunshine Stars are not the same team of 2011 or 2012 or even two seasons ago that did well, but I expect them to still overcome the Giant Elephant who have looked out of sorts since the departure of Maikaba as well as players like Obaje and Alhassan Ibrahim.
My prediction: 2-0
•The Predictor improved on the exact score, calling THREE games correctly while getting FIVE results righ
Former Caf Champions League winners Enyimba are up for their biggest test of the campaign when they face four-time league champions Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. The match is live on SuperSport 9 from 5pm CAT (4pm local time).
There is also the clash of Caf Champions League campaigners and last season's top-two in Port Harcourt between champions Enugu Rangers
and Rivers United.
Sunday, 5 March, 2017
RIVERS UNITED v ENUGU RANGERS
Last season the two teams produced eight goals in two meetings, so I am expecting that there will be goals in this game. Champions Rangers have been far from the side that cruised to the title last term, and many followers of the top flight feel the exit of Chisom Egbuchulam has affected them. Do I agree? Yes to some extent. One of the CANE is gone, so that leaves Bobby Clement, Godwin Aguda and Obinna Nwobodo without Egbuchulam. That's a a chess piece missing in Rangers' board.
Finally Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma admitted that his team are struggling to score goals in the league - an issue I pointed out in one of my past matchday previews. Six goals in nine is a poor return for a talented squad but nevertheless Eguma's men look every inch ahead of Rangers for this contest in my book.
My prediction: 1-0
ABS FC v KATSINA UNITED
The two promoted teams meet for the first time in the NPFL. I find it interesting that they are in the top-six though I still think they cannot sustain this for the long haul. ABS go into this game in third place and this offers them the chance to close the gap on the top-two after their 0-1 defeat at Rangers in midweek.
I think Katsina United will try to set up defensively and keep up with ABS who have a 100 per cent at home. If ABS will drop their perfect run at home, Katsina United do not look like that team that will halt it.
MFM FC v REMO STARS
It has such a memorable week for MFM FC. Their winger Sikiru Olatunbosun had his wonder strike voted CNN Goal of the Week and has the backing of many to be listed for the Fifa Puskas award. However, their midweek defeat at Katsina United was something I never saw coming though Fidelis Ilechukwu opted to make 11 changes to his team that defeated Rangers.
For all of their goal play, Remo Stars are just not putting the results on the board. Now five games without a win and their recently appointed head coach Fatai Osho still waiting for his first victory in charge, facing MFM who have not dropped points at home looks like trying to move Kilimanjaro out of Africa. This southwest derby looks beyond Remo Stars as MFM are my favourites to take the points as the face-to-face of leading scorers, Remo Stars captain Victor Mbaoma and Stephen Odey of MFM will catch the eye.
My prediction: 1-0
KANO PILLARS v ENYIMBA
There has been arguments over which is the bigger game - Kano Pillars versus Enyimba or Rivers United versus Rangers? I will join those rooting for the former and that remains the biggest considering they have 11 titles between them with the last five being won in this decade. Both teams might look off the pace but this remains a very big contest.
Last season, Enyimba did a first league double on Pillars but now they look too lightweight in my opinion after I juxtaposed both playing personnel side by side. The other time Enyimba won at Pillars was in 1998. This game tilts in Pillars' favour but I do not expect Enyimba to be run over.
My prediction: 2-1
3SC v PLATEAU UNITED
Table-toppers Plateau United have a game on their hands in Ibadan. Both teams were involved in two surprise results in midweek. Plateau United drew 0-0 at home to Lobi Stars and 3SC avoided defeat at Enyimba for the first time since 1998 after a 0-0 draw, though they will have their Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Tambe to thank for it.
The problem with 3SC this season is that they can choke when it matters most. Well I hear the experienced Ibrahim Ajani is back with the team and could play a role but Sunday Faleye remains their main source of goals. Plateau United have the hoodoo of Kennedy Boboye hanging over their head though, I expect them to grind out a result.
My prediction: 1-1
LOBI STARS v GOMBE UNITED
Gombe United have found it difficult to make any headway in their travels this season. They have lost all five away matches, and to make it worst they have not scored in 436 minutes of their travels at the moment. So where will the goals come from for them?
Lobi have Kingsley Eduwo in good form and their defence did so well at Plateau United in midweek in that 0-0 draw. There is also birthday boy Tony Okpotu who will be looking to make his mark in this game. All odds are against Gombe United in this game.
My prediction: 3-0
FC IFEANYIUBAH v ABIA WARRIORS
FC Ifeanyiubah have surprised everyone by sticking with their Ghana head coach Yaw Preko in the face of their stuttering run in the league. The only time they have been imperious was a 4-0 win over MFM on Matchday 2 in mid-January. After that they have laboured to 1-0 wins at home over Rangers and Plateau United with a 0-0 draw with Rivers United coming earlier.
Abia Warriors will be buoyed by the fact that they have never lost in this division to the big money spenders. Their last two visits to Nnewi have ended in draws but recent away form does not suggest good form for Warriors. I think FC Ifeanyiubah will win this by the usual odd goal.
My prediction: 1-0
NIGER TORNADOES v NASARAWA UNITED
It has been an unimpressive start to the season for Nasarawa United. We are already in the second quarter and they are yet to take-off which is strange as I know they usually become stronger after Matchday 10. For Tornadoes the story has been different. Seventh position and six points behind the leaders is a dream start for the Minna club.
Ebenezer Odeyemi and Chidiebere Ajoku continue to be the main men for Tornadoes. I am sure Kabiru Dogo will set up his team to keep the two at bay. Despite their struggles on the pitch, I think Nasarawa United can comes off Lokoja with something to cheer.
My prediction: 0-0
AKWA UNITED v EL-KANEMI WARRIORS
If there is a team to be wary of going into this matchday, it should be El-Kanemi. They are very high on confidence now and sit in second place tied on 21 points with leaders Plateau United, something I would have argued would happen this season. With a high percentage win of 64%, Abdu Maikaba will tell his Akwa United to stay on their feet.
It appears facing teams with winning runs is becoming a way of life for Akwa United this season. With recent performances at home, the Promise Keepers are on the up and that early slide they put behind them. So I am tipping them to see off El-Kanemi.
My prediction: 2-1
SUNSHINE STARS v WIKKI TOURISTS
Wikki have taken a slide far down from the height of their previous two, three seasons I have seen. Nothing suggests they will even compete for top-three places, and I know that talk of 'still early days' will creep in their defence. I fear this game could mark the start of pressure for their head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru.
Sunshine Stars are not the same team of 2011 or 2012 or even two seasons ago that did well, but I expect them to still overcome the Giant Elephant who have looked out of sorts since the departure of Maikaba as well as players like Obaje and Alhassan Ibrahim.
My prediction: 2-0
•The Predictor improved on the exact score, calling THREE games correctly while getting FIVE results righ
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