NPFL MD11 Previews: Lobi Stars, Rivers United tango in top-of-the-table clash

By Wale Mustapha

Wednesday’s fixtures will see both teams seeking to consolidate on last outings while others will seize it as a comeback route, with the races to Super Six finals and battle against relegation thickening.

Lobi Stars started the season with the reverse fixture where they lost 2-1 courtesy of a late penalty converted by Ebube Duru and the Pride of Benue had went on to enjoy a six-match unbeaten run after the loss in Port Harcourt.

The two sides are heading to this fixture on the back of disappointing outings on Sunday as Rivers United were held to a score draw at home by Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars suffered a heavy defeat to Doma United in Gombe.

The outcome of the match will further strength the Super Six qualification quest of either sides this week.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes will seek to consolidate on their last match which they won at Dakkada when they face off with Wikki Tourists at the Bako Kotongora Stadium in Minna.

Dakkada, on the other hand, will have a chance to redeem themselves when they host Bayelsa United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. They will seek to avoid a third consecutive defeat against the topflight newcomers.

Oriental derby between Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers as well as Sunshine Stars face off with Doma United in Akure will complete the tasty midweek fixtures in Group B.

In Group A, revenge will be on the mind of Akwa United as Promise Keepers visit Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin in one of the mouthwatering midweek fixtures which will see group leaders Bendel Insurance.

For many NPFL faithful, the match in Benin will interest them as they would like to see how Insurance will intend to complete the double over the Promise Keepers who they used to their blistering season underway following a shocking 2-0 victory in the opening day.

For Akwa United, they’ve picked up their pieces after the defeat and have gone on to become one of the favorites for the top three finish. Coach Deji Ayeni may be focusing on getting a decent result in Benin but will also have a thought of revenge in mind.

Soccer faithful in Nigeria will hope to see of Akwa United will be the club to end the Benin Arsenal’s fairytale in the ongoing season.

Second placed Plateau United will be guest to troubled Shooting Stars as Coach Gbenga Ogunbote is still struggling to find the balance with the Oluyole Warriors who have done lots of business both in the summer and mid season.

Enyimba who missed the chance to go second on the log following their disappointing 1-1 draw to Insurance in Aba on Sunday will hope to come back to winning ways when they host relegation threatened Nasarawa United.

Gombe how Kwara in the battle of Uniteds at Pantami Stadium while Remo Stars will hope to shine at the Dessert when they will be guest to another relegation candidate, Elkanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

NPFL Match Day 11 fixtures

Group A:

Gombe United vs Kwara United

Elkanemi Warriors vs Remo Stars

Enyimba FC  vs Nasarawa United

Shooting Stars vs  Plateau United

Bendel Insurance vs Akwa United

Group B:

Niger Tornadoes Vs Wikki Tourists

Dakkada FC vs Bayelsa United

Abia Warriors vs Rangers International

Lobi stars vs Rivers United

Sunshine Stars vs Doma United