NPFL Preview: All you need to know ahead of the kickoffs of Gameweek 6 across Nigeria including the South-West derby in Ibadan!

Last gameweek saw eight home teams pick up wins while only two traveling teams, Rivers United FC away to Niger Tornados and Enugu Rangers FC away to Kwara United, were able to earn a point apiece away from home.

Gameweek 6 fixtures in the NPFL. Photo Credits: Facebook/ League Management Company.

However, with a host of the highflyers playing away from home this weekend, there might be much more joy for visiting teams across the country in the Nigeria Professional Football League as we take a look into the upcoming matches this weekend.

Akwa United vs Katsina United

Katsina United last time out needed a Dauda Makadi’s brace secure a come from behind win at home to Gombe United, a win which is only their second of the league this season. Despite playing three times at home, they have just six points and all have been earned at home.

That is not a positive for them heading into the Saturday clash with defending Champions Akwa United, who have a good record at home with two wins from their two home games so far. They are on seven points and will be looking to reach double figure for points at home this weekend.

With three wins and one draw, Akwa United are unbeaten in their last four home games against Katsina United. They have scored seven goals in the process without conceding.

Katsina United also boast a record of good run recently in games against their rival with two wins and two draws in their last five meetings. However, the defending champions will be the favourite for the win as they are almost perfect when playing their rival at home.

Abia Warriors vs Heartland Owerri FC

After winning their last game against Wikki Tourists, it look like Heartland are finally getting into their stride and now have seven points and sit ninth on the log. A win this weekend could see them move to second place, depending on results elsewhere.

However, their poor away run will be a challenge they have to overcome in Abia to stand a chance against their host, who have also been far from convincing so far in the league.

Abia Warriors have picked up just one win so far. But against a Heartland side, whom they have enjoyed good results against in most recent times, coach Imama Amapakabo will know they can use this clash as an avenue to get their season back on track.

Abia Warriors have lost just one of their last eight meetings with Heartland, winning five in the process. They have also been victorious in all three home games played in that period. The signs are all pointing to the home side getting their first win since matchday two.

Enugu Rangers FC vs MFM FC

One of the few sides that have been impressive so far, Enugu Rangers FC welcome Lagos based MFM FC to the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi. The host, on the back of their one all draw with Kwara United away from home last time out will be high in confidence at home this weekend.

Abdul Maikaba’s side have picked up eight points so far and are placed fourth, with just three points between them and first place Remo Stars, a win for Rangers International at home will be a priceless result for then and might see them in better spot after the Gameweek, given both Remo Stars and Enyimba play away from home.

Their opponent, MFM FC have picked up six points from two wins and three losses so far, all points coming from games played at home and with a poor record in recent games against their host, another defeat could await the Shola Balogun boys in Nnewi.

MFM FC are winless in their last three games against Enugu Rangers, losing two in the process, a run coming after they have won each of the three that preceded flawlessly.

Gombe United vs Enyimba

Newly promoted Gombe United have been far from impressive this season and they currently six in the sixteenth position, a point above the dropzone. The visit of one of the heavyweights in the league will not be an easy fixture for them, even though Enyimba have not been consistent themselves.

Gombe United players making their way to the pitch for a NPFL match. Photo Credits: Facebook/ Gombe United Football club.

Led by Aliyu Zubairu, Gombe United will be looking to upset The Peoples’ Elephants at the Pantami on Sunday. 

Enyimba ended a run of consecutive loss the last time out with a 1-0 home win over Shooting Stars and there will be no room for complacency as know by the manager, Finidi George that the pressure can only be eased with a run of good results.

Gombe United is there for the taking but as much as it will not be an easy task, they will not have so many chances better than this to pick up three points away from home.

Enyimba have lost three and drawn one of their last four trip to Gombe but the only draw came in their last visit in 2017. A lot has changed since then but the visitors will hope their experience in the top flight can count as they push for the three points.

Kano Pillars vs Niger Tornados

Who would have thought that this clash will be tagged the battle of the bottom of the table at the start of the season. An underwhelming start to the season has left both sides languishing in the lower end of the standings.

For Niger Tornados, the visitors kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 home win to Plateau United but that has been as good as they have come so far. They have lost their two away games and drawn the two home games played afterwards, leaving them with five points, one ahead of their host.

Kano Pillars ended the last season in fifth but would have secured a better finish if not for their poor ending to the season. It however looks like the Ibrahim Musa Jugunu and his boys are yet to get over their poor form as they have started the new season in the same fashion.

The season is still early though and a win at home this weekend will see them climb up the log. A couple of good results is a enough for them to leave behind this rough patch and against a Niger Tornados side, who always possess great energy whenever they play away in Kano, it will not be easy for the four times champions.

1-1 it finished the last time Kano Pillars host Niger Tornados and the visitors have earned two draws in their last three trip to the Sanni Abacha Stadium, making this a very interesting tie to watchout for.

Enyimba captain Austin Oladapo returned from his six months ban in the last gameweek to inspire them to a win over Shooting Stars. Photo Credits: Facebook/ Enyimba. F. C

Nasarawa United vs Lobi Stars

It took until the last matchday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo against Dakkada FC for the host to taste their first defeat of the season after they had started with three straight draws and eventually picking up a win in matchday four. Nasarawa United will however feel hard done after conceding a late winner courtesy of Emmanuel Ayaosi.

A return home this weekend gives them the avenue to try and better things with possibly getting all three points against visiting Lobi Stars from Makurdi. The visitors have been better this term with eight points from five games. The win against Akwa United last time out will do well for their confidence ahead of the trip to Nasarawa.

The host have won each of their last four home games against Lobi Stars and this consistent level they will have to maintain to secure maximum points against a much improved side this weekend.

Plateau United vs Dakkada FC

Just a point separates the two sides heading into the weekend with Dakkada FC overtaking their host after their 2-1 win over Nasarawa United last time out while Plateau United lost to league leaders Remo Stars.

Knowing how a win could change the narratives about their seasons, both teams know how crucial the tie is and Plateau United will be hope that the home support and advantage all play to their favour to continue their good home run against Dakkada.

Plateau United have won each of their last two home games against Dakkada FC by an aggregate of 4-0 and they have also won each of their two home games this season while Dakkada have lost both their two away games, it is setting up to be a match for the host to move above their visitors on the log.

Rivers United vs Kwara United

Rivers United stay in the hunt last weekend with a point away at Niger Tornados and they return home this weekend against Kwara United, who are without a win in two games (two draws).

Both have enjoyed a good start to the season with the host amassing nine points while the visitors have eight so far. This is a must-win for both side to remain in the midst as points dropped by any team will be crucial this weekend.

The good news for Rivers United is that they are playing at home which is always a boost in the NPFL. Moreso, they are unbeaten in seven games against Kwara United with and have won the last two at home. Looking good for the host ahead of kick off at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Shooting Stars vs Sunshine Stars

A massive South-West derby in Ibadan on Sunday evening as Sunshine Stars of Akure travel to the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba for a mouthwatering clash in the NPFL matchday six.

Both sides have endured a mixed start to the season and are tied on five points but Sunshine Stars still have a game in hand with their matchday one fixture against Wikki Tourists yet to be played.

Since losing their first game of the season, Sunshine Stars have stayed unbeaten with two draws and eventually their first win of the season, a 3-0 demolition of Kano Pillars. The momentum is surely on the side of Deji Ayeni.

For Shooting Stars, it has not been easy since their promotion this term. They have also played tough oppositions in the likes of Enyimba and defending Champions Akwa United. But currently in the dropzone, they know this is a must-win game to propel them out of their misery.

Good news for them is that they have won each of their last three home games against the side from Akure, but that statistic only amount for three out of six games in total, in which they have also been beaten as many times as they have been victorious.

Wikki Tourists vs Remo Stars

Samuel Anakwe’s only goal return the league leaders to winning ways on matchday five, after they had gone two games without a win. Despite creating so many goalscoring chances, Gbenga Ogunbode side have not been clinical enough and will need to change that if they are to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Striker Andy Okpe has missed several big chances and is yet to score after his brace against Heartland Owerri on matchday two. Something has to be done by the manager, considering they play away from home this time, when goalscoring chances will be limited.

Wikki Tourists have won each of their two home games this season without conceding. However, Remo Stars posses a different test, and maybe tougher than any they have encountered in the league so far.

It is also a challenge for Remo Stars, who have won once away from home this season. Even though Wikki Tourists are yet to drop points at home this season, the visitors should be able to get a positive result in Bauchi.

The host have won each of their last two home games against the newly promoted side but they have also been beaten by their opponent as many times in that time. Making it two wins apiece in their last four meetings.

A huge change is predicted to occur on the standings after the completion of the gameweek and the likes of Rivers United, Enugu Rangers FC and defending champions Akwa United are top picks to benefit most from the siting and context of games this weekend.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi