WEEK 12 NPL PREVIEW

Enugu Rangers have the chance to remain table-toppers of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) as Dolphins will busy on the continent.

The bottom two is likely to look unchanged after Matchday 12. Here's a full preview:

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Kwara United v Sunshine Stars (Ilorin Township Stadium)

Last season this game produced five goals with Kwara United edging it 3-2. But they will not have Isiaka Olawale, now at Dolphins, who scored twice in that game. The Afonja Warriors are enjoying their best start in the top flight in recent seasons while Sunshine Stars are struggling to find last season's form. Also, the Akure Gunners head to Ilorin with no points in their last three visits.

But the Akure club could have back captain Godfrey Oboabona in their squad while Barnabas Imenger is expected to combine with pacy Anthony Okemmiri to pile more misery on under fire coach, Gbenga Ogunbote.

Our prediction: 2-1

Wikki Tourists v Sharks (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)

This is the 11th clash between both clubs since 2003. It is four wins apiece for both side and two draws. The last time the Tourists and the Blue Angels met in this corresponding fixture in 2009 it ended 1-1.

Bright Ejike remains Sharks' mainstay for goals this term and Wikki will have to keep him quiet if they must win the points in this one.

Our prediction: 1-0

Kano Pillars v Akwa United (Sani Abacha Stadium)

Kano Pillars are gradually hitting their best form and will want to build on their 2-0 win in mid-week over Enyimba when Akwa United face them this Saturday. The last time The Promise Keepers visited Kano, they lost 1-2 in April 2009.

Expect Solomon Jabason to feature in this for Akwa United while Solomon Ogbeide's men will need to keep watch on Mannir Ubale, Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali and Victor Namo as Pillars are primed to earn the points.

Our prediction: 1-0

3SC v Warri Wolves (Obafemi Awolowo Stadium; live on SuperSport 9)

This is our pick of the matchday as Festus Allen and his men come under the spotlight again and this time against Warri Wolves. Maurice Cooreman will want to avoid defeat in his first game as Wolves' manager, as the Warri club have managed just a draw in last four visits to Ibadan.

Surprisingly Wolves have let Efe Yarhere and Oghogho Oduokpe join Rangers but they have Jude Aneke, Uruemu Egbeta and Akeem Yakubu from Rangers for this tie. 3SC look good enough for their fourth win of the season.

Our prediction: 2-1

Rising Stars v Ocean Boys (Dipo Dina Stadium)

It is difficult to see Ocean Boys climb out of the bottom four after their game at Rising Stars. Sunday Erelesusi's team are favourites to win this first-ever top flight match against Ocean Boys.

Kayode Agboola will shoulder most of the Stars' attacking threat as Samson Unuanel will line out his side with an attack of a fake number nine as the Divine Warriors' goal-scoring problem persists.

Our prediction: 2-1

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Enugu Rangers v Lobi Stars (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)

It looks certain Rangers will remain top of the standings for the second week after this game. Last season Rangers won 3-2 against Lobi in this game and for Lobi they have managed just a draw in seven visits to Enugu since March 2003.

Ejike Uzoenyi is doubtful after returning from international duty with a knock on his right knee but Okey Emordi has Rasaq Adegbite, Chikeluba Ofoedu and Emeka Eze - all capable of hurting Dominic Iorfa's Lobi Stars.

Our prediction: 2-0

Enyimba v Jigawa Golden Stars (Enyimba Sports Stadium)
The Peoples Elephant are expected to show no mercy in this game by trampling on Jigawa Stars. The Golden Stars' last two games at Enyimba in 2008 and 2003 have ended in defeats.

Abdul Pele will have defender Chigozie Maurice back from suspension after he missed the mid-week game at Dolphins. Captain Josiah Maduabuchi, Kalu Uche, Nzube Anazemba, Gbolahan Salami and Uche Agbo are expected to be dressed for the hosts while Nnaemeka Anyanwu remains a doubt.

Our prediction: 3-0

Kaduna United v ABS FC (Kaduna Township Stadium)

Kabir Sulaiman Dogo again resumes as interim head coach for the trip to Kaduna. Both sides are in struggling forms. Kaduna United have not won in their last three games and ABS have gone one better than United on that 'winless' streak.

Last season, Samson Auta's goal earned Kaduna United the points in this game and the hosts will win this as Saraki Boys will remain bottom in spite of a change in guard in the leadership of their coaching crew.

Our prediction: 2-1

Gombe United v Heartland (Pantami Stadium)
It will be the 17th head-to-head meeting when both sides clash at the Pantami Stadium. Cup holders, Heartland have won eight of the previous 16 meetings against Gombe United's seven with a draw in between. The Naze Millionaires have not picked a point at Gombe in nine years and last won an away game in the top flight in 2009.

The hosts will have a full strength squad including leading scorers, Mustapha Babadidi and Sanusi Sani. Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Obinna Nwachukwu could be back in time for Heartland after international duty but it's tough to see the Cup holders win this one.

Our prediction: 0-0

*The Predictor notched up FOUR correct scores including TWO actual results on Matchday 11.

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