NPFL Preview: Relegation Battle In Kaduna As 3SC Tackle Sunshine In Derby

NPFL Preview: Relegation Battle In Kaduna As 3SC Tackle Sunshine In Derby By Our Reporter The 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Akwa United defeated Katsina United 2-0 in the first match-day 6 tie on Saturday. Charles Okafor in the 12th minute put the hosts ahead before Ubong Friday's 47 minutes strike sealed the needed win for Akwa United. In Ibadan today, the South West derby between Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars is the biggest fixture on matchday six in the NPFL this weekend. The Oluyole Warriors and the Owena Whales have on countless occasions fought out their engagements both on the pitch and off it; if the last meeting in the top-flight is anything to go by, another blockbuster game awaits at the refurbished Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Both teams have accumulated five points from their opening five games this season with just one win each to show for their efforts. However, history favours a home win in this fixture and the last time the points were shared was in 2012. Going by that, the “home-always-win” run could be extended on Sunday. The bottom two, Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes, will go toe-to-toe at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Sunday. Pillars suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Sunshine Stars last week and will be hoping for a return to winning ways against the LMC ban-hit Niger Tornadoes. On Saturday, Champions Akwa United will welcome Katsina United to the Nest of Champions as Kennedy Boboye’s men go in search of their first win in three games. In Okigwe, Abia Warriors will host Heartland in an oriental derby fixture after failing to pick any favorable result from Lagos. Imama Amapakabo’s Warriors will be hoping to get their second win of the season against the crisis-hit Naze Millionaires on Sunday. Midfielder Austin Oladapo, who returned from suspension last week for Enyimba, will come up against his former side Gombe United when the Aba Elephants visit Gombe in search of maximum points. Plateau United will play at the New Jos Stadium as they play host to Dakkada FC, while MFM will be guests of Enugu Rangers at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium, Nnewi on Sunday. Sunday’s other game will see Lobi Stars travel to Lafia to face Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium while title contenders Rivers United will entertain Kwara United in a high-profile match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port-Harcourt. Forward Samuel Anakwe, scorer of the winning goal against Nasarawa United for Remo Stars last weekend, will be hoping to help his side retain their unbeaten tag when they visit Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists on Sunday. Saturday’s Result: Akwa United 2-0 Katsina United Sunday’s Fixtures: Kano Pillars vs Niger Tornadoes Rangers vs MFM Rivers United vs Kwara United Nasarawa United vs Lobi Stars Abia Warriors vs Heartland Gombe United vs Enyimba Plateau United vs Dakkada Shooting Stars vs Sunshine Stars Wikki Tourists vs Remo Stars