NPFL matchday 16 preview and predictions

Adepoju Tobi Samuel. 12:02 - 01 March 2022

Action continues in the NPFL this week

We are closing in on the mid-way stage of the season as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/22 campaign enters match day 16 this midweek.

It is Rivers United and Plateau United sailing at the top of the league and they have a four point lead over the chasing pack which includes Remo Stars, Enugu Rangers and Akwa United.

It will be clash of history when Shooting Stars host Enugu Rangers at the Lekan Salami Stadium in a night game fixture.

In Aba, under-pressure Finidi George and Enyimba will host Remo Stars in search of a way back into relevance.

A relegation six-pointer awaits in Katsina as Dakkada will be guests of Katsina United, while MFM will be away at Niger Tornadoes in Abuja.

Shooting Stars v Enugu Rangers

Shooting Stars will lock horns with Abdul Maikaba's Flying Antelopes in a night football action in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors are in desperate need of maximum points in this game after being without a win in their past three league games.

Rangers suffered a setback when they drew goalless with Kano Pillars on Sunday and with just a defeat on the road so far this season, they are fired up and capable of picking a result on the road.

Prediction: Shooting Stars 1-0 Enugu Rangers

Enyimba v Remo Stars

Finidi George and his team, having gone four games without a win, need all three points in this game.

Although, they dominate their H2H with Remo Stars - 3 wins and one draw. This is not enough to cede all three points to the men from Aba.

It will take a massive performance from the former champions to beat the Sky Blue Stars who are third on the log at the moment

Prediction: Enyimba 2-1 Remo Stars

Kano Pillars v Rivers United

Former Champions and league title hopeful at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna will be a joy to watch. This is a blockbuster of a fixture to look forward to.

Pillars have failed to exert some consistency this season, but Rivers United have stayed on top of the league and quite dominant in their games all season.

Pride of Rivers have not scored at Pillars in any of their past two visits to Sai Masu Gida. However, the form Isahq Rafiu and Chijioke Akuneto can help put an end to that poor record.

Prediction: Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United

Other games include;

After Sunday's bashing in Jos, Akwa United will host Wikki Tourists in search of another home win.

Rejuvenated MFM will be in Abuja to face Niger Tornadoes.

In Ijebu Ode, it will be Sunshine Stars against Heartland, while Alao Danbani and Kwara United will be guests of Nasarawa United in Lafia.

Imama Amapakabo and Abia Warriors are going up north to slug it out with Gombe United and Plateau United's might will be tested in Makurdi when they visit Lobi Stars.