NPFL: Akwa United, Kwara United chase back-to-back wins


Defending champions Akwa United have an epic clash in Ibadan in their determination to hold on to top spot at the end of the second week of the season. 

On the opening day last Sunday in Uyo, the Promise Keepers walloped big side Kano Pillars 3-0, while their opponents this evening, Shooting Stars played quite frustrating match in Gombe which ended goalless against Gombe United, fellow promoted team.

The supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba will motivate their legendary team to their first win of the new term.

The Oluyole Warriors are back to their familiar turf having played their home games at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode last season.

But the Edith Agoye-led technical crew will have to contend with Akwa United's intimidating profile, having recorded the most away wins on the way to their debut title triumph last season. And they started their title defence like a house on fire by humiliating Pillars 3-0 last Matchday.

Like Akwa United, Kwara United also banged in three goals without conceding any to Dakkada FC in Ilorin on Sunday. Now they travel to Jos to tackle former champions Plateau United, who lost 0-1 to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

Plateau United, champions in 2017 and also in 2020 when the league was disrupted by Covid-19 shutdown, can't afford to slip up in front of their fans.

Third on the table are newly-promoted Remo Stars, who visited Lagos two Fridays ago and left their hosts MFM cold in the harmattan 0-2.

Sky Blue Stars, coached by veteran Gbenga Ogunbote, boast of an unbeaten home record since moving to their Ikenne-Remo stadium in their days in the lower division.

They encounter a Heartland squad that struggled to force Nasarawa United to 3-3 in their opening day match at the Okigwe Township Stadium. 

Both side met in a friendly a year ago, which ended goalless at the same venue of this evening's match, the Remo Stars Stadium.

Rangers host Enyimba in what passes for the game of the week. Both teams won last week with the Flying Antelopes flying 2-1 at Katsina United.

The fixtures...

Shooting Stars v Akwa United, Kano Pillars v Lobi Stars, Rivers v Katsina United, Rangers v Enyimba, Abia Warriors v Sunshine Stars, Wikki Tourists v Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United v Kwara United, Dakkada FC v MFM, Remo Stars v Heartland, Nasarawa United v Gombe United (all 4 pm)

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