NPFL: Matchday 3 preview and predictions

The battle for points in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/2022 season continues on Wednesday. 19 matches have been played so far and an average of two goals per game.

The clash between Enyimba and Rivers United is the biggest game of the match day, high-flying Remo Stars will host Nasarawa United in Ikenne and there is a North-west derby between Katsina United and Kano Pillars to look forward to on Thursday.

The selected games to examine are as follows;

Enyimba have played two oriental derbies in their first two games this season. Up next for them is a clash with fellow title contenders Rivers United at the Aba International Stadium on Wednesday.

Under Finidi George, Enyimba have won all five games with just two goals conceded. For Pride of Rivers, they picked a point in their last trip to Aba and will be keen to see a repeat of that.

Since leaving the Aba Elephants at the end of last season, former gaffer Fatai Osho returns to a familiar territory in search of a result to continue their good start to the campaign as well.

 Prediction: Enyimba 2-1 Rivers United

Winless MFM face former coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Plateau United in Lagos. The Olalekan Gabriel tutored side are yet to score a goal or pick a point this campaign yet.

Play has been insipid for the the Lagos side and will be keen to get their season going against the Peace Boys. However, a win in the past five meetings does not offer any hope to MFM ahead of the clash.

Meanwhile, MFM’s chances could be brightened by the possible return of Akanni Elijah, while Plateau United’s CB Andrew Ikefe limped off in the win over Kwara United and will be a big miss for the visitors.

Prediction: MFM 0-0 Plateau United 

This is arguably the biggest fixture in the North-west region of the country. Since 2017, it has been one of the fiercest fixtures in the league with drama happening both on and off the pitch.

Both Katsina United and Kano Pillars are yet to win a game this season. For the home side most especially, they have no point to show so far. On the other hand, Pillars have a point and were trounced in their first away game this season by Akwa United.

However, the Changi Boys, who have not beaten the former champions since 2017, will be hoping to put an end to that winless streak.

Prediction: Katsina United 1-1 Kano Pillars

Kabiru Dogo will lead Wikki Tourists to a familiar ground to face Kwara United. The home side lost 1-0 to Plateau United in Jos on Sunday, while Wikki defeated Niger Tornadoes by a similar scoreline.

Since last season, the Harmony Boys are on a run of eight consecutive home wins, including a 2-1 win of the Elephants last season. Wikki, who are known bad travellers, have not won an away NPFL game since 2019.

Abdullahi Biffo’s men are huge favourites to win and it will be a shock if that does not happen on Wednesday.

Prediction: Kwara United 2-0 Wikki Tourists

New gaffer Eddy Dombraye will be searching for his first win at the helm when Lobi Stars entertain Shooting Stars on Wednesday.

Just like Shooting Stars, Lobi have drawn their first two games, scoring just a goal in the process. The new-look Makurdi side are yet to find their rhythm in the league, same as the newly-promoted Oluyole Warriors. 

Quite open, but the advantage still lies with the home side.

Prediction: Lobi Stars 2-1 Shooting Stars

In the other fixtures, Heartland will host Dakkada at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The Naze Millionaires were thrashed in Ikenne on Sunday and will need to return to winning ways to pacify the fans.

In Akure, it will be a new-look Sunshine Stars against Enugu Rangers. Deji Ayeni did a fantastic job last season and will be keen to nick a win against a side that won their last away game in the league. 

Abubakar Bala’s Niger Tornadoes will be up against Abia Warriors in one of Thursday’s games. 

In the remaining games, Akwa United will host Gombe United at the Godswill Akpbabio Stadium in Uyo. While Remo Stars and Nasarawa United will trade tackles in Ikenne. 

Wednesday

Akwa United v Gombe United

Lobi Stars v 3SC

Enyimba v Rivers Utd

Sunshine Stars v Rangers

Kwara United v Wikki Tourists

MFM v Plateau Utd

Heartland v Dakkada

Remo Stars v Nasarawa Utd

Thursday

Katsina Utd Vs Kano Pillars 

Niger Tornadoes v Abia Warriors

Tobi Adepoju Samuel is a Nigerian football writer. He is an ex-member of the NFF Committee and also the former Media officer of the Future Eagles.