Snapshot: Nigeria PFL matchday 14 preview

Kano Pillars and Rangers International of Enugu go toe-to-toe at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna in the standout fixture of matchday 14 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), this weekend.

Sai Masu Gida lost 2-3 to Dakkada FC in Uyo after taking a 2-0 lead early in the contest at the Nest of Champions on match day 13 and will be looking to make a rapid return to form.

Pillars and Rangers are in third and fourth place respectively and both teams have amassed the same number of points (23). A win for either team could see them move to the summit of the NPFL standings as they are just two points off the leaders, Kwara United who travel to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists.

Aba will play host to an Oriental derby as Enyimba International of Aba and FC Ifeanyi Ubah lock horns on Sunday. The People’s Elephant dropped from first place to second on the log following three consecutive draws to Akwa United, Jigawa Golden Stars and Warri Wolves, respectively. Enyimba will be keen to return to winning ways against the Nnewi club at their home patch.

The Anambra Warriors are languishing in the relegation zone, lying 18th after garnering just 13 points from 13 games. 

Akwa United are the in-form side of the division, having picked up an impressive four points from a possible six in their last two games against two of the strongest sides in the country – Rivers United and Enyimba. The Promise Keepers embark on the short trip to Ozoro looking to compound the problems of Warri Wolves who are one place from the bottom of the standings.

Nasarawa United will entertain ninth-placed Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium. The Lafia club are in sixth, following their loss to MFM in their previous game. United are desperate to return to winning ways while Lobi Stars will look to follow up on their victory against Katsina United.

Dakkada FC secured another gutsy win in their midweek tie against Wikki Tourists and the best opportunity to continue their fine form is a game against Adamawa United. Adamawa United are rooted at the bottom of the table following a poor start to the season. Dakkada are known for making amazing comebacks recently but they must avoid a slip against United who will value a point in this encounter.

Rivers United ended their losing run in consecutive away games as they were held to a one-all draw in Jos against Plateau United in midweek. The Pride of Rivers will attempt to bounce back to winning ways when they return to Port Harcourt, where they have not lost this season, to face the surprise package of the campaign, Jigawa Golden Stars.

MFM have had a fair start under their interim coach, Gabriel Olalekan which has seen them move into the top half of the table but they will face a stern test when they travel to Jos to battle Abdu Maikaba’s Plateau United.

Another Oriental derby is a potential mouthwatering game between Heartland and Abia Warriors. The Naze Millionaires saw their recent impressive form snapped after a loss to Rangers International but Imama Amakapabo’s Abia Warriors have been brilliant since they moved to the Okigwe Township Stadium and they will hope to get a win as they battle a team who ply their trade in the same state.

Katsina United and Sunshine Stars is the last game on the menu. Both teams are 17th and 16th respectively with just two points separating them. A win for either could prove very decisive at the end of matchday 14.  Fixtures.  

Fixtures
Rivers United vs Jigawa Golden Stars
Enyimba FC vs FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Plateau United vs MFM FC
Nasarawa United vs Lobi Stars
Katsina United vs Sunshine Stars
Adamawa United vs Dakkada FC
Wikki Tourists vs Kwara United
Kano Pillars vs Rangers International
Heartland FC vs Abia Warriors
Warri Wolves vs Akwa United

Story by Sammy Wejinya

@SPNAfrica News

www.spnafricanews.com