NPFL Matchday 16 Preview: FC Ifeanyi Ubah Host Enyimba As Akwa Utd Search For Points in Kano

NPFL Matchday 16 Preview: FC Ifeanyi Ubah Host Enyimba As Akwa Utd Search For Points in Kano

By KELECHI ONWUDIWE.

The harvest of derbies in the Nigeria Professional Football League continues this weekend with two in the south east and one in the south west as the top flight hits the game week 16 mark with a full programme of matches.

Starting from their 2-0 home loss in midweek, holders Enyimba visit FC Ifeanyi Uba in Nnewi on Sunday in an all south east battle while the other oriental derby holds between Rangers International of Enugu and visiting Abia Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium just four days after both secured victories on day 15.

FC Ifeanyi Uba are in the search for points at home against an angry Enyimba.

The other Eastern giants Heartland of Owerri, after that big win in Aba on Wednesday, are home to an embattled Katsina United side who could only draw at home last time out and are waiting for the response from the League Management Company's disciplinary committee after near deadly violence marred the end of that tie against Kano Pillars.

Pillars themselves are guaranteed a tough fight against Akwa United who lost at home for the first time this season while the match venue, the Sani Abacha stadium, will also host the tie between struggling Jigawa Golden Stars of Dutse and second placed Rivers United of Port Harcourt.

Dakkada of Uyo, who were obliterated at home on Thursday, make the short trip to Makurdi to face league leaders Lobi Stars at the Aper Aku stadium while third placed Plateau United welcome basement team Adamawa United to the New Jos stadium.

Mfm celebrates another win but are guaranteed a tough fight against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.

Elsewhere there's the big derby of the south west between resurgent Kwara United and Sunshine Stars of Akure in Ilorin, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi return to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium to face Mfm of Lagos while Nasarawa United, after that massive Thursday victory on the road, host Warri Wolves at the Lafia township stadium.

There were four road wins on match day 15. Is the NPFL set to witness even more on day 16 or will the home sides dig in? That's the big question.