NPFL Match Day 19: Abia Warriors seek Sunshine Stars scalp

Kennedy Boboye's men will be looking to extend their unbeaten home run in the Nigerian top flight against the Owena Waves on Sunday

 

Wikki Tourists can return to winning ways if they snatch all three points from their fixture against Ikorodu United on home turf this weekend.

Abdul Maikaba's men were unable to take maximum points from their last fixture, with a 3-1 loss to Sunshine Stars in Akure.
The Bauchi outfit have clinched three victories in their five league fixtures this season, while this weekend's visitors have been patchy in their debut season in the top tier division. 
Ikorodu United were able to bounce back from a winless three-game run when they edged Warri Wolves 1-0 on Wednesday in Lagos.
This is a game that shouldn't worry Wikki Tourists as they are expected to win at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

Warri Wolves Vs El-Kanemi Warriors 
Warri Wolves surprisingly lost 1-0 to Ikorodu United in their week 18 game and they will be hoping that the round leather favours them when they lock horns with El-Kanemi Warriors.
Wednesday's loss in Lagos means that the Seasiders currently sit tenth in the Nigeria Professional Football League table.
Warriors weren't in action during the week as their match against Rangers was postponed due to the Flying Antelopes' involvement in a Friday match tie with Heartland. 
The Desert Warriors are unbeaten in two straight games.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah Vs Niger Tornadoes 
FC Ifeanyi Ubah's recent form has been far from convincing only managing four points in their last four matches. 
Their quest for redemption will see them host Niger the square it out against 14th placed Niger Tornadoes at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium on Sunday.

The Anambra Warriors are confident of winning the game despite their goalless draw against MFM FC at the same venue on Thursday.
Buoyed by their 2-1 win over Kano Pillars in midweek, Tornadoes are well aware that success in this tie could see them ascend to a mid table position if other results favour them.
Bolaji Adeyemo's resurgence will be key for the hosts if he carries his scoring form into this game. Ismail Gata is expected to shake off the injury that made him struggle against Pillars and take his place upfront while Wilfred Di Maria Ammeh might start from the bench in Nnewi.

Abia Warriors Vs Sunshine Stars
An eight win is up for grabs this weekend for Abia Warriors when they take on Sunshine Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
In terms of their league position, the hosts are in a positive spot sitting third in the NPFL table.
For the visitors, it has been a fair period and Sunshine Stars boss Solomon Ogbeide was impressed with his side's recent 3-1 win over Wikki Tourists.
The home side head into the clash on the back of a 2-0 loss at Shooting Stars. 

Lobi Stars Vs Rivers United  
Lobi Stars will be looking to move into the top three of the NPFL with victory over Rivers United on Sunday.
Godwin Uwua's side, who surprisingly lost to Nasarawa United are sixth on the log with 28 points from 18 matches. 
Rivers United, who defeated Akwa United in their last league outing, could go top if they win.
The game will take place at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

Akwa United Vs Shooting Stars 
Akwa United have the chance to put pressure on the top six of the NPFL table if they take maximum points from their clash against Shooting Stars this weekend.
The Promise Keepers have only suffered one defeat in the form of a 1-0 loss to Rivers United in their last four fixtures.
At the other end of the pitch, Shooting Stars have not had the best spell due to four defeats in their last eight games, but they were able to grab a 2-0 win against Abia Warriors at midweek.
The last meeting between the two clubs resulted in a 2-1 victory for Akwa United in Uyo.

Plateau United Vs Kano Pillars
Plateau United plays host to Kano Pillars at the Rwang Pam Stadium starting 4pm; the two teams have different motives going into the game – United are battling to stay away from relegation while Pillars are aiming to stay in touch with the high flyers.
Rwang Pam Stadium might favour Pillars going by the fact they picked a point from Plateau United in the last meeting which ended 2-2. 

Plateau United amassed five points in their last five games, after playing five draws. They will be hoping to end the series of stalemates with a win against Masu Gida.
Pillars have managed just one win in their last five matches. That came on the back of one win, three losses and one draw but they will be looking to thrash the form book in order to rise to the top half at the expense of their opponents.

A win for Plateau United, who are on 22 points going into the game, may see them rise from 16th to 10th place on the log but that will depend on other results.
Victory for Pillars, who are on 28 points, will also improve their position in the table.