NPFL matchday 1 preview & predictions

The wait for the start of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/2022 season is finally over, as the league begins this weekend.

MFM FC will host newly promoted side, Remo Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium Lagos in the curtain raiser on Friday evening.

The Abia derby tops the list of games happening this weekend, a South-west and a North-central derby, while Akwa United and Kano Pillars will face off in a heavyweight clash on Sunday in Uyo as the Promise Keepers begin their title defence.

Unfortunately, the number of fans allowed into the different match venues will be restricted in line with COVID-19 protocol.

The league body at the unveiling ceremony of one of their new sponsors on Thursday revealed that the State FA’s and the clubs must ensure fans observe the COVID protocols.

 Here is a look at the games happening on match day one of the new NPFL season.

Enyimba have dominated this match up in recent years. In fact, they have won the last six, conceding just two goals. The Aba Elephants have Finidi George on board now and would be keen to continue that run.

For Imama Amapakabo and Abia Warriors, it was an unpleasant campaign last term and with the manner they lost most of their best players [Adeleke Adekunle, Ojo Olorunleke, Fatai Abdullahi] to Enyimba in the transfer window, getting a point could be a herculean task for his side.

One can't look past an Enyimba win because they have been competitive having played three continental games while Abia Warriors last played a competitive fixture in August.

Prediction: Enyimba 2-0 Abia Warriors

The South-West derby between these two sides returns to the NPFL. MFM FC, since gaining promotion in 2016, have managed to become a mid-table side in the top-flight, preserving their status every campaign.

While Remo Stars have gone down immediately after gaining promotion on two occasions; so staying up remains the goal for the Sky Blues this term.

MFM FC have the upper hand in this match up, as they are yet to lose to Remo Stars in the NPFL.

This particular fixture will be played at MFM FC new home in Surulere as against the Agege Stadium - the traditional home ground of the Church Boys due to ongoing construction.

This could offer Gbenga Ogunbote’s men a glimmer of hope when they take to the pitch by 6pm on Friday. 

Prediction: MFM 1-1 Remo Stars

This is another derby in the opening round of games – the North-Central derby. Tornadoes are the Nigeria National League (Second Division) champions, beating Shooting Stars in the final earlier this year.

The task at hand in the topflight for Abubakar Bala and his men is to stay up. However, playing at an adopted ground in Ilorin might come at a cost for them. For Plateau United, it is breath of fresh air, as Fidelis Ilechukwu begins his reign with the Peace Boys.

The past four NPFL meetings between these teams has seen only one team scoring and a win for the home side in this fixture in the past five meetings. The home side’s not-too-excellent recruitment might be a problem in the course of the season, while Plateau have been massive in that regard.

Prediction: Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Plateau United.

This promises to be an entertaining fixture between the defending champions and Kano Pillars - four-time winners of the league. Although Akwa United have changed a bit, and their slow start to the NPFL in recent seasons could be a worry for Kennedy Boboye.

However, a seven-match winning streak against Sai Masu Gida in Uyo offers some comfort. Salisu Yusuf would be keen to begin on a good note before the national team assignment.

Prediction: Akwa United 2-1 Kano Pillars

Former international Eddy Dombraye begins his coaching journey at Lobi Stars in the NPFL with a date with Stanley Eguma's United, who have also added former Enyimba gaffer Fatai Osho to their fold.

Going by the records, Lobi Stars have been comfortable at home and yet to drop points in their past ten meetings in Makurdi. However, Pride Of Rivers have been playing on the continent since the league ended in August but Lobi have been inactive, which could be of significance when the game kicks off.

With massive requirements done by both sides ahead of this campaign, this could an open game and there for the taking by the more willing side.

Prediction: Lobi Stars 1-1 Rivers United

In the other fixtures, Heartland will host Nasarawa United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The Naze Millionaires struggled off the pitch last term and will need to be consistent this term from the get go, with their new coach Hassan Abd’allah hoping to make quick impact.

In Akure, it will be a new-look Sunshine Stars against Wikki Tourists. Deji Ayeni has done a fantastic job since coming on board before the end of last season. Whether the financial crisis won’t drag them down this campaign, time will tell.

In the battle of the promoted sides, Gombe United will host Shooting Stars at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Shooting picked a point in their NPFL last visit to this ground in 2017 and will be looking for a repeat of that, as the battle for survival begins. 

Kwara United, who punched above their weights last season, will begin the season at the Kwara Sports Complex against Dakkada FC while Katsina United and Enugu Rangers will face off in Katsina. 

Friday, 6PM

MFM v Remo Stars. 

Sunday, 4PM

Akwa United vs Kano Pillars

Lobi Stars vs Rivers United

Enyimba vs Abia Warriors

Heartland vs Nasarawa United

Sunshine Stars vs Wikki Tourists

Gombe United vs Shooting Stars

Kwara United vs Dakkada

Niger Tornadoes vs Plateau United

Katsina United vs Rangers

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.