Brothers at ‘war’ in Nnewi as FC Taraba host Lobi Stars in Jalingo
The encounter is expected to draw thousands of fanatic fans of both clubs just as most of the fans who are traders are expected to lock their shops to go and watch what promises to be a thriller.The host who lost narrowly to Sunshine Stars FC 2-1 in Akure last weekend will want to re-enact […]
The encounter is expected to draw thousands of fanatic fans of both clubs just as most of the fans who are traders are expected to lock their shops to go and watch what promises to be a thriller.
The host who lost narrowly to Sunshine Stars FC 2-1 in Akure last weekend will want to re-enact the form that saw them pushing aside Warri Wolves 2-0 in their first home game. On the other hand the Flying Antelopes from Enugu sweated to beat Sharks 2-1 in match day 2.
While the Nnewi millionaires with the backing of Capital Oil magnate can boost of a good defence line marshaled by Ezuokeaba Christopher, Okonkwo Chibuzor and Emmanuel Thompson and solid Eze Chidiebere in goal, Rangers will have to ensure that their prolific striker Samuel Agba and his co-travellers put their acts together if they are to survive in Nnewi.
Enyimba International FC of Aba who pulled a 1-1 away draw on Wednesday against Lobi Stars of Markudi will be hosting not too impressive Bayelsa United FC in Aba.
Enyimba’s captain Chinedu Udoji who is the pillar in the heart of the defence of the Peoples elephants said the match against Bayelsa United will help them prepare for their next weekend make or mar match against Smouah FC of Egypt in the CAF Champions league competition.
Udoji said though they pulled a draw in their first home match in the season against Akwa United, their opponent in this weekend cracker will not be so lucky.
“You know we played a draw in our first home game this season against Akwa United and also got a draw against Lobi Stars in the second match away. We are closing in and it will not be an easy game but I am sure of one thing- Bayelsa United will leave Aba empty handed,” he said.
But Enyimba will have to contend with Bayelsa United captain Solomon Junior who was out of action in the second week of the league because of the red card he got in the previous week. And if Eric Frimpong clicks, it will be double trouble for the ‘Peoples elephants’ right there in their den.
In Jalingo, top of the table team, FC Taraba will take on Lobi Stars of Markudi.The game is expected to bring out the best from the Justin Tenger tutored boys who were tripped on Wednesday by Enyimba who got a point off them.
With Eche Idakwo, Edum Cyril and Emmanuel Ajia combining well upfront for the stars from Makurdi, the host will have to count on the striking prowess of Bobby Abel and Nura Mohammed to give something to their fans to take home.
In Port Harcourt, it will be a South-South war as Sharks FC host Akwa United FC of Uyo just as Giwa will take on Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Jos Township stadium.
It will be a battle of the warriors as Abia Warriors of Umuahia travel to Kano to face host El-Kanemi Warriors. El-Kanemi having lost 1-2 to Kwara United will like to return to winning ways.
Wikki Tourists who were humbled 0-2 in Lafia when they clashed with Nasarawa United will take on Kwara United FC inside the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium in Bauchi.
The Bauchi encounter is a match of the returnees. The home team will bank on Emenike Onuoha, Harrison Madu and Waziri Christopher to ward off the rampaging Ahmed Jimoh,Dare Ojo and Mohammed Ahmed Okiki from Kwara United. It is expected that Wikki’s Victor Yakubu will re-enact the form that helped his side record a 2-0 victory against 3SC in their first home game.
Buoyed by their 2-1 away victory over returnees 3SC in Ibadan, Heartland will host Nasarawa United inside the Dan Anyam stadium with every confidence. But it will not be easy for the home side because Nasarawa United are also going into the match fresh from their 2-0 victory over Wikki Tourists.