NPFL Preview: Lobi, Pillars, MFM continue fight for survival
The Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Matchday 25 fixtures will kick-off today across ten centers with Lobi Stars, Katsina United, Heartland, MFM FC and Kano Pillars continuing to fight to escape relegation while Rivers
United, Plateau United continue their hunt to win the title.
Akwa Utd vs Lobi Stars
The NPFL title holders, Akwa United will host Lobi Stars today at the Nest of Champions, Uyo and will seek to condemn their visitors to another defeat.
Lobi, who are 16th on the table have a better head-to-head record having won 2 games and lost 1 in the last three games played.
However, on current form, Lobi has lost 7 games, won 2 and drawn 1 in their last 10 games compared to Akwa Utd who have lost 3 games, drew 4 and won 2.
Shooting Stars vs Enyimba FC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, still ruing their loss to Katsina United will want to prevent Enyimba from claiming a double in Ibadan.
Enyimba, in their own right, mauled Kano Pillars in their last game and will want to take that form to derail Shooting Stars NPFL status.
In the last 10 games played, Shooting Stars have won 3, drew 2 and lost 5 games while Enyimba have won 4, drew 2 and lost 4
games.
Kano Pillars vs Sunshine Stars Relegation-threatened Kano Pillars have a huge game at hand against a stronger side in Sunshine Stars of Akure who ended Rivers United’s 12 games unbeaten run.
Pillars who suffered their heaviest defeat to Enyimba FC in the NPFL since they got promoted in 2001 have only won 2 games, drawn 4, and lost 4 in their last 10 games while Sunshine Stars have won 5, drew 1 and lost 4 games.
The Akure-based club has a better head-to-head having won 2 games and lost 1 game in their last 3 encounters.
Abia Warriors vs MFM FC
MFM FC have found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they currently languish in the bottom of the league table. The Olukoya Boys famously known for praying and singing to God before every game may leave Aba with at least a point based on their superior head-to-head record.
Their hosts, Aba Warriors have not been fantastic so far this season having won three games out of 10, the same as MFM FC.
Rivers Utd vs Niger Tornadoes
Table-toppers, Rivers United will be out for blood against12th placed Niger Tornadoes after losing their winning streak last week.
The current form of Stanley Eguma’s men suggests they will
claim all three points in Port
Harcourt. They have won 7 games compared to 4 games won by their guests in the last 10 games.
Enugu Rangers vs Kwara Utd
This will be a tough battle as both sides are aiming to get a continental ticket next season. The Cathedral, which is a fortress for
Enugu Rangers will be tested by their guests. Rangers are 4th on the table with 38 points while Kwara
Utd are 5th with 37 points. Their last three games against each other as 1 win apiece.
Wikki Tourists vs Heartland
Heartland FC face a Herculean task in Bauchi as they also continue to fight their way out of relegation. The hosts are also not giving up on a possible continental ticket. Plateau Utd vs Remo Stars
Second-placed Plateau United who are breathing down the neck of Rivers United will want to increase their gap with third-placed Remo Stars by 11 points.
Nasarawa Utd vs Dakkada FC
Both sides have an indifferent season so far, but Nasarawa have been more disappointing after failing to replicate last season’s performance. Both teams will look to move away from relegation and it will be a battle till the final whistle in Lafia.
Gombe Utd vs Katsina Utd
Katsina United are currently swimming in relegation waters and will want to claim a double over Gombe United today.