Football | Nigeria
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The Predictor gives trump card to Pillars
Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars, are within touching distance of a third successive Glo Premier League title but are saddled with the tricky hurdle of El-Kanemi Warriors.
As it stands, I think only Kano Pillars can stop themselves from equalling the records of Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) and Enyimba as the only clubs to have won the top flight in Nigeria in three consecutive seasons though Heartland hold the record of having won it four times on the bounce in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990.
However, the race for the title is still on, and I am not ruling out Enyimba and Warri Wolves putting pressure on the champions.
At the bottom, the battle for survival still remains though Nembe City are now relegated while Crown FC, Kaduna United, Bayelsa United, Gombe United and FC Taraba still have the chance to breathe life into their bid to stay in the premier division.
Lobi Stars v Akwa United (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
This is not a top-drawer game but for Lobi this contest against Akwa United will afford them the chance to throw their hat in the ring for a place in one of the Caf club competitions, which I think looks quite out of their hands now. In mid-week Akwa United did enough to edge Bayelsa United 1-0 but Lobi suffered a 0-2 defeat at FC Taraba.
I really do not expect Lobi to drop points in this game, as they have done well for themselves this term while playing at home. For me, Akwa United have lost that early season energy in their game, so this looks out of their hands.
My prediction: 1-0
Heartland v FC Taraba (Dan Anyiam Stadium)
Though it is believed that any result is possible in football, I am still wondering where FC Taraba's goal will come from when they face Heartland on Sunday. FC Taraba have gone 10 matches on the road without scoring a goal and now meet one of the best two defending teams in the country.
No disrespect to the new boys, but I think they will be made to work their socks off by the attacking personnel of Heartland - Bobby Clement, Bright Ejike, Emeka Ogbugh, Jolly Osas and Happy Okuoka. The Naze Millionaires know how to grind out results.
My prediction: 2-0
Crown FC v Abia Warriors (Lekan Salami Stadium)
I must say Crown FC's decision to suspend five of their influential players for allegedly fixing a match could take the sail out of their wind in battle for survival. I can now safely call the Ogbomoso club a one-season wonder outfit - get promoted to the top division, spend one season and return back to the second tier same season.
After that 1-7 humiliation at Wolves in mid-week, I do not expect much of a reaction from Crown FC. Hakeem Busari's team will edge Abia Warriors, who won the reverse game 3-0, in this contest but that will not guarantee them top flight football next season.
My prediction: 1-0
Sharks v Warri Wolves (Sharks Stadium)
I feel winning 7-1 against struggling Crown FC was quite good for Wolves, but at the same time it will keep other top teams on their toes that the Warri club mean business in the title race. So Paul Aigbogun and his men should not expect a stroll in the Garden City when they face Sharks this Sunday.
In the reverse game, the Blue Angels secured a 1-1 at Wolves in May and I trust them to claim four points off the Warri club. But Sharks will really have to be at their best to down Wolves, who are inspired by the chase of a first-ever major title.
My prediction: 2-2
Gombe United v Enugu Rangers (Pantami Stadium)
The Savannah Scorpions sit one place and one point above the drop zone, and now play hosts to in-form Rangers. But the Scorpions need to start winning to avoid dropping into the bottom-four after taking just a point in their last three matches.
I am sure Rangers striker Osaguona Ighodaro is a marked man, but I expect John Obuh to use the lanky striker as a decoy like he did at Crown FC where they won 3-0. It remains to be seen if Gombe United will fall for that bait. I still think the Scorpions will shade this contest by the odd goal.
My prediction: 1-0
Nasarawa United v Sunshine Stars (Lafia Township Stadium)
Nasarawa United are still in the race for the title though I think the realistic target for them now should winning a place in one of Caf's club competitions. But Sunshine Stars, for me, look off finishing in the top-three except they can pull off a result in this clash which I doubt will happen.
In the first round clash, Muyiwa Lawal netted a late winner for the Akure Gunners, and I know Nasarawa United will squeeze them to the very last seconds for a win to push them up the standings.
My prediction: 1-0
Kaduna United v Giwa FC (Kaduna Township Stadium)
Giwa FC, for me, are a very unpredictable team and dangerous to play against, and that is what Kaduna United will find out on Sunday evening. I have placed the playing personnel of both teams side-by-side, and it is quite interesting to note that Kaduna United look like lightweights to the new boys, in terms of performance this season.
The Elephant of Jos inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Kaduna United, who are in the bottom-four. United have gone six straight matches without a win - picking just a point out of 18. I sense Giwa FC can hurt the Crocodiles' battle for survival.
My prediction: 1-1
El-Kanemi Warriors v Kano Pillars (Kano Pillars Stadium)
I have turned both teams in and out, as well as upside down before they meet in this game that could determine where the title race tilts towards. As much as Kano Pillars have the advantage of playing El-Kanemi on their home ground which they have both shared this season, the champions and table-toppers should not expect an easy ride against Warriors.
Warriors have quite an interesting backline built around their defence leader, Reuben Ogbonnaya. Their manager, Salisu Yusuf, is also a man known for setting up his team very strongly at the back like he did with Enyimba last season when they went all season without conceding at home. For me, it is difficult to rule out a Pillars win.
My prediction: 0-1
Nembe City v Enyimba (Krisdera Hotel Stadium)
It is no news that City's time in the premier division ended with that six-nil bashing at Dolphins in mid-week. So I think they have nothing to fear facing Enyimba, who are seeking a second away win to galvanise their bid for a record seventh title.
The People's Elephant have never lost in the top flight to City, but this is quite a different contest as they are now the team under pressure. But I believe the Aba club have the like of Mfon Udoh, Nzube Anaezemba, Kingsley Sokari, Olabiyi Rasheed, Chinedu Udoji, Markson Ojobo and Abdulrasak Aliyu among others to grind out a result at City.
My prediction: 0-1
Bayelsa United v Dolphins (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium)
Both teams clash in a south-south derby that will hold in the historic town of Benin City, and Bayelsa United need to know that this game is key to their beating drop. Any result less than a win leaves them with picking all points in their last two games at home against Lobi Stars and on the road at Heartland.
If Bayelsa United want to get a result from this game then they must find a way to shut out Dolphins winger and leading scorer, Emem Eduok. I believe Dolphins will buoyed by their record of being a bogey team to United - having won four times in their last nine NPFL clashes, with Bayelsa United managing just a win while four other meetings have ended in score draws.
My prediction: 1-1
•The Predictor was impressive with his calls the last time and correctly got all nine results of the previous match day including four perfect scores.
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