The Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL is into the second half of the season, with teams desperate for Victory
This weekend is Matchday 23 of the League, with some exciting fixtures lined up.
Action will begin this Friday as Katsina United host Heartland, followed by three games on Saturday and the remaining fixtures on Sunday.
Although Katsina United have been doing well at home, their away record has been poor, losing their last three matches on the road. However, at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, they remain a formidable side and will be a tough challenge for Heartland.
Heartland, still basking in their emphatic 2-0 win over Rivers United, will make the long trip to Katsina hoping to pick up valuable points.
League leaders Remo Stars will welcome Kano Pillars to Ikenne, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table.
With a nine-point gap over their nearest rivals, Remo must be wary of Kano Pillars, who have managed to pick up points away from home—their 4-3 win over Rangers in Enugu being the highlight.
However, Pillars have struggled in the second half of the season, losing to Ikorodu City in Lagos and failing to beat Bayelsa United in Kano.
That result did not sit well with the club’s management, who suspended their coach, Abdallah, for three weeks.
Remo Stars have turned Ikenne Stadium into a fortress, and it does not look like Pillars will pose much of a threat.
The Niger Tornadoes versus Plateau United fixture will be played in Kaduna instead of Minna, as Tornadoes’ home games are being relocated for broadcast purposes.
Tornadoes suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nasarawa United in Lafia last weekend, while Plateau United were held to a draw at home by Shooting Stars.
Following that result, Plateau United’s coach, Mbwas Mangut, has been given a three-game ultimatum to turn things around or risk being sacked.
Tornadoes, who are desperate to bounce back from their recent defeat, will be hoping to pile more misery on Mangut and his struggling Plateau United side.
The Ikon Allah Boys arrived Kaduna and got straight to work, putting in an intense training session to prepare for the crucial derby against Plateau United on Sunday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
