Pillars, Akwa United battle, Enyimba, Wikki with eyes on NPFL top spot
Both Akwa United and Kano Pillars have 45 points from 24 matches
Kano Pillars striker, Auwalu Ali Malam and Dayo Ojo of Enyimba battle for the ball when the two heavyweights clashed in the first round of the 2021 NPFL in Aba
NPFL leaders, Akwa United and Kano Pillars will battle opponents in Sunday’s week 25 matches with their eyes fixed on the top spot of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, table.
While Akwa United are away against Wikki Tourists at the Tafawa Balewa stadium in Bauchi, Kano Pillars will play host to arch rivals Enyimba of Aba at the Ahmadu Bello stadium Kaduna.
Both Akwa United and Kano Pillars have 45 points from 24 matches but the ‘Promise Keepers’ of Uyo are leading the table on superior goal difference of plus 16 against Pillars 8.
Therefore, only victory over Enyimba FC and defeat or draw for Akwa United in Bauchi will return the ‘Masu gida’ boys of Kano to the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Akwa United who are going up against Wikki Tourists at the right time will fancy their chances of leaving Bauchi with the maximum points.
Embattled Wikki Tourists had suffered three losses in a row before the 1-1 draw at Rivers United in their last match.
Consequently, Akwa United may not have a mountain to climb, if the present form of the ‘Bauchi elephants’ is anything to go by.
Kano Pillars are faced with a more difficult task as after exiting the Confederation Cup, Enyimba are trying to mop up points in the remaining matches to stand any chance of winning another continental ticket.
While Kano Pillars will be without their inspirational player, Ahmed Musa who is on international duty, Enyimba will also be without their first choice keeper, John Noble and winger Anayo Iwuala for the same reason.
In other week 25 matches, Katsina United will host Nasarawa United, Plateau United will visit Adamawa United in Gombe, Heartland square up with Rivers United in Umuahia as Jigawa Stars seek victory in Ilorin against Kwara United.
Abia Warriors welcome FC IfeanyiUbah in an ‘Oriental derby, in Aba, MFM will trade tackles with Rangers in Enugu, Dakkada to host Lobi Stars in Uyo while relegation threatened sides, Warri Wolves and Sunshine Stars battle in Ozoro.