Jigawa, Kaduna Utd, Lobi seek away victories

At the Uyo Township Stadium, newly promoted Jigawa Golden Stars will take on Akwa United in a match of dubbed battle of the ‘returnees’. Both teams returned to the top flight after spells in the second tier of the Nigerian league. Jigawa Golden Stars fell 1 – 2 to a late goal in their Week […]

At the Uyo Township Stadium, newly promoted Jigawa Golden Stars will take on Akwa United in a match of dubbed battle of the ‘returnees’.

Both teams returned to the top flight after spells in the second tier of the Nigerian league. Jigawa Golden Stars fell 1 – 2 to a late goal in their Week One game to Kaduna United in mid-week but will take the fight to Uyo, where Solomon Ogbeide will line up a strong side.

At the Plantiri Stadium, Gombe United will engage Niger Tornadoes who are familiar foes.

There have been 16 head-to-head top flight clashes between both sides in nine years. And it has been a case of no victor, no vanquish with eight wins apiece. In eight visits to Gombe, Tornadoes have managed just a win – in September 2009 when they won 1 – 0. Tornadoes will also have the likes of Daniel Etor, Sibi Gwar and Shehu ‘Romario’ Abdullahi lurking around Gombe’s goal area.

Kaduna United who defeated Jigawa Stars 2-1 on Thursday will travel to the coal city to take on Rangers International at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.

The Flying Antelopes started the season on a shaky note with a home draw to Warri Wolves. New coach, Okey Emordi will push his men for an outright win this time against Kaduna United that have lost some of their top players to rival clubs. Both teams have identical form guides from last five games with two wins, a draw and two losses.

Last season’s runners up, Sunshine Stars of Akure will take on Ocean Boys at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.

Last season, it was at Ocean Boys that Sunshine Stars lost the NPL title after throwing away a two-goal lead in the last 18 minutes. This time, Gbenga Ogunbote’s men will go out to face the 2006 champions with a ruthless mission.

Ocean Boys have never taken a point off Sunshine Stars on the road in three visits – and are also yet to record their first goal against the Akure Gunners in this same corresponding fixture in the top flight since February 2009. The Divine Warriors will have to live up to their sobriquet if they must leave Ijebu-Ode with a result today.

Former African Champions, Enyimba FC of Aba will have their hands full with the visit of tricky customers Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt at the Enyimba StadiumAba.

Six-time champions, Enyimba have never dropped a point at home to Sharks in the top flight since 2003 – in all seven home wins against the Blue Angels. Enyimba have in recent seasons become the bogey team to the Blue Angels – winning eight times and drawing twice in 14 meetings.

Though Enyimba lost some key men from last season’s campaign, the team is still anchored on the shoulders of playmaker, Josiah Maduabuchi. As for Sharks, it is another road trip they cannot afford to drop points, as they could find themselves in the bottom half of the standings after just match day two.

Having lost their opening match away to Wikki, Heartland will settle for nothing less than victory in today’s match against visiting ABS, formerly Bukola Babes FC of Ilorin at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.

The Naze Millionaires have strengthened their squad and among the 13 new men could be unleashed on ABS FC who are in their second straight season in the top flight. Erasmus Onuh will parade a group of new players against Heartland in a game the Owerri club are expected to win.

Lobi Stars with no major signings this season will be up against Warri Wolves FC at the Warri Township Stadium.

Last season, Paul Aigbogun’s men were made to work hard by Lobi Stars in this same game before striker Efe Yarhere earned them a late 2 – 1 win in Warri. League followers will be watching out to see if NPL record top scorer with 20 goals, Jude Aneke will make his debut for Wolves today.