Football
Damu Ugbane, KweséESPN 6y

NPFL big guns face testing away weekend

This weekend's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixtures will provide a stern away test for the league's big guns.

Plateau United, Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Enugu Rangers are all on the road, and have their work cut out for them in a bid to keep up with the leaders.

League leaders Lobi Stars are poised to extend their winning home run against Rivers United, when they host the Pride of Rivers on Sunday. The Makurdi-based team were on the receiving end of a loss last weekend in the north central derby in Lafia, throwing away an early advantage.

Despite the defeat, Lobi still hold on to the top position, and are favoured to continue a trend of narrow victories against a Rivers United side that could be drawn into a relegation-battle if they lose for a sixth time this campaign.

Akwa United are set to keep the pressure on the leaders by securing a routine home win against Abia Warriors. The Promise Keepers came from behind to complete a midweek win against Heartland, a victory that catapulted them into second place and within a point of the leaders.

They look poised to maintain their 100percent home record by earning a third successive league win, thereby extending their 2018 domestic dominance, a feat made more remarkable after playing two games less than their competitors.

Can a talented Kano Pillars side overcome the hard luck that has plagued them on the road this season, and finally earn a first away win at bottom club Kwara United? Sai Masu Gida were forced to eat the humble pie at Yobe Desert Stars a fortnight ago, and another defeat at a promoted side, could ignite calls for the dismissal of coach Ibrahim Musa.

However, aided by 11-goal top marksman Junior Lokosa, Pillars should get amongst the goals against the league's weakest defence line that have conceded 17 goals so far this season. A point secured in Ilorin, keeps Pillars within touching distance of their title rivals.

Reigning league champions Plateau United are on the verge of a third successive league loss if they fail to avoid defeat at FC Ifeanyi Ubah. Kennedy Boboye's men are the only side without a draw this season, largely reliant on their strong home form as they are in danger of dropping below fifth position.

If they fail to score for a third game on the bounce in Nnewi against a relegation-threatened host, defeat could seem inevitable, an outcome which signals the start of an early season meltdown.

Enugu Rangers are back in league action after a fortnight, and there could be no bigger test with a tricky away tie at Go Round FC. Given that formidable oppositions such as Akwa United and Plateau United have bitten the dust in Omoku, Go Round must be highly confident of securing a third successive win. If successful, it would complete an impressive turnaround from relegation-battlers to finishing in the top eight bracket for the privately-sponsored team.

Yobe Desert Stars' excellent home form and start to the league season could get further better if Enyimba becomes their latest victims on home turf come Sunday. The Damaturu-based side could even break into the top three, though it shouldn't be a stroll in the park against the People's Elephants who have drawn four of their away games this season.

In other fixtures, an inconsistent MFM FC are home to Katsina United. Heartland, second from bottom, are in danger of a fifth successive loss when they welcome Nasarawa United, while a resurgent Niger Tornadoes look good to strengthen their top-half position as they host Sunshine Stars.

The northeast derby in Bauchi between relegation-battlers Wikki Tourists and El-Kanemi Warriors concludes an action packed line-up of weekend fixtures.

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