NPFL MD 13 Previews: Shooting, Remo tango in Ibadan as Abia set trap for Lobi Stars

By Wale Mustapha

ABoth teams have mixed fortunes last time out with Shooting beating Kwara United in Akure while Remo Stars drew goaless against Gombe United had their woes compounded with points and goals deduction for off the field reasons.

The Oluyole Warriors will be hoping to avenge defeat of the first leg in Ikenne as the match will also see some old friends become foes for the duration of the match.

Earlier on Saturday, in Benin to be precise, group A leaders, Insurance will hope to maintain their unbeaten run as they host Kwara United.

Coach Monday Odigie led Benin Arsenal have being surprise package of the season with how they have fared, but may face a difficult task against Kwara who will be hoping to respond from their disappointing home loss to Shooting in the last match.

Other matches in Group A will see troubled Enyimba hosting Plateau United in Aba, Akwa United are expected to have a field day when they take on relegation threatened Nasarawa United in Uyo while Gombe United will hope to consolidate on their valuable away point in Ikenne when Elkanemi Warriors come visiting at the Pantami Stadium.

In Group B, Lobi Stars will be taking on Abia Warriors in a match they hope to secure the match points to further boost their chances of securing the Super Six spot.

However, Abia Warriors have being a good side on their day, especially on the road and can cause an upset where the hosts failed to sit up.

In Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes welcome champions Rivers United who are having a fantastic season both in the league and on the continent.

Coach Abubakar Bala side will need to replicate their recent home forms to get over the enterprising visitors. But it is actually a match with upset written over it.

Wikki Tourists are still on the ascendancy under their new coach, Abdullahi Adamu. An opportunity to play another home game against Bayelsa United this weekend will prove whether their last victory over Dakkada was a fluke or the team has truly find its rhythm. For Bayelsa United, they will be counting on their goal scoring spree and stingy defense of late to get a decent result in Bauchi.

The other fixtures in Group B will see Sunshine Stars hosting Rangers in Akure while Doma United who have performed beyond expectations of many will hope to continue their ‘giant killers’ run when they visit Uyo for a clash against Dakkada FC.

The outcome of this weekend’s game will determine the chances of some teams in their quest to secure the season ending Super Six slot as it will also see how others will survive the race to beat the drop.

Group A

Enyimba FC vs Plateau United

Akwa United vs Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance vs Kwara United

Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars

Gombe United vs Elkanemi Warriors

Group B

Lobi Stars vs Abia Warriors

Wikki Tourists vs Bayelsa United

Dakkada FC vs Doma United

Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United

Sunshine Stars vs Rangers Int’l