The Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) Matchday 4 takes centre stage this weekend. The motion begins with Bendel Insurance coverage at residence to Niger Tornadoes.
The guests, led by Majin Mohammed, had been thrashed 3-0 in Benin final season and will likely be determined to keep away from a repeat. Tornadoes can depend on two former Insurance coverage gamers, Sarki Ismaila and Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi, to unsettle the hosts.
Insurance coverage, in the meantime, are nonetheless looking for their first win of the season after two attracts and a loss. They are going to hope to construct on final weekend’s 1-1 draw away to newly promoted Barau FC by lastly securing three factors at residence.
Blockbuster Fixtures
Rivers United vs Capturing Stars
On Sunday, Rivers United host Capturing Stars in Port Harcourt.
The Oluyole Warriors are winless in three video games regardless of wholesale adjustments in administration. They misplaced as soon as, drew as soon as at residence, and held Ikorodu Metropolis to a 1-1 draw within the Southwest Derby. New coach Nurudeen Aweroro will likely be pushing for an announcement win towards the Pleasure of Rivers.
Rivers, then again, have opened their gates free to followers as they chase a second win of the marketing campaign. They’ve already overwhelmed Kwara United at residence and held each Remo Stars and El-Kanemi United away. Their final residence outing resulted in a 2-0 victory. With each side evenly matched in current conferences—two wins apiece and a draw within the final 5—this conflict guarantees to be tight.
Kano Pillars vs Enugu Rangers
Two conventional powerhouses collide in Kano. Pillars have the higher hand in current historical past, with two wins and a draw from their final three conferences, plus three wins within the final 5 total.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s Rangers will goal to vary that report as they attempt to get better from a combined begin: one win, one draw, and one defeat to date.
For Pillars, the stakes are excessive. They’ve just one level from three video games and want a win to kickstart their season. With Tremendous Eagles legend Ahmed Musa now serving as Normal Supervisor, the northern giants will need to make an announcement. This one may hinge on particular person brilliance.
Plateau United vs Remo Stars
It’s outdated takers versus new takers in Jos.
Plateau United, underneath a younger supervisor nonetheless discovering his rhythm, are winless in three matches. They face defending champions Remo Stars, who already look sharp with two wins and a draw.
Shola Adegun’s aspect will deal with even a draw as a golden level to regular their marketing campaign. However Remo Stars, based mostly briefly in Abeokuta, will arrive sensing victory. Something lower than three factors will really feel like a missed alternative for the champions.
Different fixtures
Elsewhere, a number of intriguing fixtures full the spherical. Nasarawa United face Wikki Vacationers in a northern derby. Wikki, newly promoted, have impressed with two wins and a draw to date, and can journey with the idea that they will upset their hosts.
In Aba, Kun Khalifat FC are nonetheless looking for their first win after three video games. The privately run membership have performed engaging soccer, however factors have been scarce. They meet El-Kanemi Warriors, a staff decided to make their expertise depend and return residence with most factors.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors welcome Katsina United, whereas Bayelsa United additionally face a stern take a look at as they host nine-time champions Enyimba. Coach Monday Odigie’s males have already chalked up two wins, however Enyimba are starting to seek out their rhythm underneath Stanley Eguma with a win and two attracts.
Warri Wolves, again within the topflight, will goal to make residence benefit depend towards Kwara United. Wolves had been overwhelmed by Remo Stars in Abeokuta final weekend, however the residence crowd may elevate them to a greater consequence. Kwara, who dispatched Kun Khalifat 2–0 of their final outing, will arrive assured of one other victory over a promoted aspect.
In Lagos, Ikorodu Metropolis meet Barau FC. The Oga Boys are inspired by their spirited draw towards Capturing Stars in Ibadan and can need to construct on that. Barau, then again, come off a 1–1 residence draw towards Bendel Insurance coverage and can struggle to keep away from defeat on the street.
With the league nonetheless in its early phases, Matchday 4 has the texture of a proving floor. For the champions, it’s about stamping authority. For struggling sides, it’s a likelihood to vary route. And for newcomers, it’s one other actuality examine about life within the NPFL.
Fixtures
Saturday
Bendel Insurance coverage vs. Niger Tornadoes
Sunday
Nasarawa United vs. Wikki Vacationers
Kun Khalifat vs. El-Kanemi Warriors
Abia Warriors vs. Lobi Stars
Rivers United vs. Capturing Stars
Kano Pillars vs. Enugu Rangers
Plateau United vs. Remo Stars
Bayelsa United vs. Enyimba
Warri Wolves vs. Kwara United
Ikorodu Metropolis vs. Barau Fc
