NPFL Match Preview

Two days ago, The Nigerian Professional Football League was in its matchday 23, before going on a break for the World Cup and we're looking forward to a weekend of blockbuster action all over the country.

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League leaders, Lobi Stars are away to a resilient and hard fighting Go Round FC in Omoku. The hosts, who are undeafeated at home in 11 games(7 wins and 4 draws) will hope to better their recent scoring form at home which reads 5 in 5. Lobi Stars in particular will want to consolidate on their 5pt advantage at the top of the league.

On the 10th of June, Akwa United have recorded their second away win of the season against Yobe Desert Stars in Damaturu courtesy of a Michael Ibe goal in the 74th minute despite playing more than 60mins with a man down. They're the fourth team to leave the August 27th stadium with at least a point and the first to bag all three this season.

The Yobe Desert Stars are worthy title contenders but desperately need to improve on their travels having lost all three of their games in the North East this season. Several key players missed the trip to Damaturu and some have said is part of the reason they did somewhat poorly.

Kano Pillars, who are third on the log, would have nicked second place with a win over Rivers United at the Sani Abacha stadium in Kano if Akwa United had failed to get maximum points from their trip to Yobe.

Rivers United are on a four game unbeaten streak heading into this tie but the hosts have been utterly dominant at home this season and should be expected to get all three points.

This weekend ushers in the Oriental Derby where Enugu Rangers play host to Heartland who are rooted to the foot of the log. Rangers, who are winless in four games, desperately need a result to keep their ambitions alive this season and should be confident of beating an awful Heartland team who are more or less consigned to their fate of relegation from the top flight. One clean sheet in 11 previous away games and 9 points from 10 games doesn't make for good reading and they face a stern test today in Enugu.

Enyimba and surprise package Katsina United clash in Calabar with both teams continuing their push for a continental place. Fourth place Katsina United have been poor travellers this campaign and would be more than happy to secure a point in Calabar.

Champions, Plateau United, host an in-form Abia Warriors who are on a five game unbeaten run bagging four points from their last two away games, will be severely tested by a Plateau team in search of another continental position next season.

In Ilorin, Kwara United will host FC Ifeanyi Ubah in a relegation six pointer while MFM, still basking in the euphoria of their first away win of the season last weekend, will hope to make it two wins from two at home against El Kanemi Warriors.

Sunshine Stars, who are 19th will be in need of a boost to avoid the drop with three points against Nasarawa United while Niger Tornadoes are seeking their first win in three games against Wikki Tourists in Minna.

The 22-year-old Nigerian international midfielder, Oghenekaro Peter Etebo has been signed by Stoke City on a five-year contract. Peter has moved to the bet365 Stadium from Portuguese side Feirense for a fee of 7.2m euros.

Patrick Vieira has been appointed Nice manager after leaving New York City FC.