The NPFL game between Dakkada FC and Wikki Tourists in Uyo slated to begin a huge matchday 11 fixtures list, was postponed by the League Management Company (LMC) after the Wikki Tourists team bus was involved in an accident.
The coaster bus of the ‘Giant Elephants’ lost control on the way to southern Nigeria and the vehicle lost two wheels. The accident occurred near Jos, in Plateau State. The bus eventually caught fire. However, there were no injuries and all team members were reported to be safe.
Another postponed game is the star fixture between bitter rivals, Rivers United and Enyimba. Both teams are set to battle for a place in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup in their second leg playoff tie at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium on Sunday after Enyimba defeated their opponents by a lone goal in Aba.
Matchday 11 of the NPFL would instead begin with a blockbuster game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as Kennedy Boboye’s Akwa United welcome an under-performing Plateau United.
Akwa United could jump into fourth on the standings with a win and a man who could help them with the task at hand is Ndifreke Effiong. Effiong has impressed this season, finding the back of the net seven times to go level with Sadeeq Yusuf as the league’s top scorer but he will find it difficult against a Plateau United side who have conceded six goals in nine games this season, averaging 0.7 goals conceded per game.
League leaders Kwara United will travel to Enugu to face fifth place Rangers International. Rangers International are yet to lose at home this season but facing a Kwara United side who are currently unbeaten in eight games will prove to be a stern test for Salisu Yusuf and his charges.
Jigawa Golden Stars will play host to Nasarawa United in a Northern derby with high stakes and bragging rights.
Bala Nikyu’s Nasarawa United side began the season in brilliant fashion as they were unbeaten in their opening six games but consecutive losses to Plateau United, Enyimba and Rivers United respectively had seen them drop to sixth position.
Meanwhile, Jigawa Golden Stars have proved they can hold their own in Nigeria’s top flight as they sit 13th on the log, amassing 13 points in the process.
Lobi Stars are set to battle Kano Pillars in Markurdi. Pillars could move to the top of the standings if they win against Stars who are 11th on the table.
Warri will host a relegation battle as Abia Warriors will make a trip to face Warri Wolves. Imama Amakapabo’s Abia Warriors are in 17th position, two places above Warri Wolves who are in 19th. Both teams have also amassed the same number of points at this stage of the season (nine).
There will be another relegation battle on Sunday. MFM are one point and one place above the relegation zone and they will look to put their internal issues behind them as they will welcome Adamawa United to the Soccer Temple in Agege. Adamawa United are rooted to the bottom of the table and they are winless this season (0W 3D 7L) but they will fancy themselves against an MFM side who have problems in their camp.
Sunshine Stars will welcome the league’s top scorers Heartland FC of Owerri. Sadeeq Yusuf of Sunshine Stars is the division’s joint top scorer with seven goals and he could get more against Heartland who have conceded the most goals this season (16). Oriental rivals, FC Ifeanyi Ubah will also play host to Katsina United.
Fixtures.
Saturday, February 20, 2021Akwa United vs Plateau United
Sunday, February 21, 2021Jigawa Golden Stars vs Nasarawa UnitedFC Ifeanyi Ubah vs Katsina UnitedMFM vs Adamawa UnitedLobi Stars vs Kano PillarsSunshine Stars vs HeartlandRangers International vs Kwara UnitedWarri Wolves vs Abia Warriors
Postponed ties:- Dakkada FC vs Wikki Tourists, Rivers United vs Enyimba
Story by Humphrey Njoku
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