After 370 games in 37 match days in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with 750 goals scored averaging two goals per game, the title race is now down to just three teams – champions Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors.
When the season began, Enyimba,Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers started like title contenders but along the line, Enyimba experienced tremendous resurgence but the quest of the Aba club for a record seventh title only lasted for 37 match days.
Today, one of Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors will be crowned champions of Nigeria for the 2012/13 season. But Pillars look more likely to retain the title since they already have 63 points and are also playing away against Lobi like the two other contenders.
Lobi Stars vs Kano Pillars (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)
Kano Pillars have not taken a point in their last nine away games. The last time the champions earned a point on the road was on June 8 at Dolphins.
Lobi will take no chances in seeing off Pillars in this as they are in a race for survival. In the last two seasons, the Kano club have lost by identical scorelines of 0-1 in this corresponding fixture.
Prediction: 2-0
Enugu Rangers vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)
El-Kanemi remain the surprise team of the season irrespective of what followers of the league say about their home form. They’ve also put up a decent run on the road too. But this is where the fairy tale run ends for the Warriors. El-Kanemi do not have a good record in Enugu as they’ve lost in their last three previous without scoring a goal. Though Rangers are playing for pride, I don’t think they’ll show El-Kanemi any favour.
Prediction: 2-0
Gombe United vs Bayelsa United (Pantami Stadium)
Bayelsa United go into this game needing an outright win to stand any chance of edging Kano Pillars for the title. But the town of Gombe has not been a fruitful centre for the Restoration Boys who have lost in all four previous trips.The Bayelsa club are always capable of pulling off surprises but this time that may not happen as they will have to contend with the impressive Gombe United trio of Babangida Ibrahim, Habibu Inusa and Sani Mohammed.
Prediction: 2-0
Enyimba vs Sharks (Enyimba Stadium; live on SS9)
Six-time champions Enyimba will be disappointed that they blew their chance of winning the double this season after their shambolic display in Akure against Sunshine Stars in mid-week. But they’ve got the chance to finish in second place and win a CAF Champions League spot and at the same time protect their run of not conceding at home this season.
Gbenga Ogunbote has proven that he is a miracle worker after securing top flight football for Sharks against all odds. But can the Blue Angels breach the steely back line of Enyimba in Aba on the final day? I would say ‘NO.’
Prediction: 1-0
Nasarawa United vs Heartland (Lafia Township Stadium)
Heartland will again keep their top flight status for more than three decades as they head to Lafia to face the Solid Miners who are in dire need of the full points to escape the drop to the lower division.
Nasarawa United last defeated Heartland in a league match in February 2008 and that same year lost three-nil to the Owerri club in this corresponding fixture. But that may not count this time as League’s top scorer Victor Namo, Habu Mohammed, Solomon Babatunde, Malachy Ilo and company are expected to cause Heartland problems on the day.
Prediction: 3-0
Nembe City vs Sunshine Stars (Samson Siasia Stadium)
Nembe City have a huge task to turn around their very inferior goal difference to escape the drop in spite of playing hosts to Sunshine Stars today. After their 1-6 drubbing in the hands of ABS in mid-week, Nembe City will surely return to winning ways against Sunshine Stars who have managed to take just three points on the road this season.
But its doubtful if the win for City can save them from the fall though and that will depend on the outcome of other results involving eight other clubs in the battle for survival.
Prediction: 2-0
Warri Wolves vs ABS (Warri City Stadium)
The Seasiders have lost their last three league games to 3SC, Akwa United and Bayelsa United and it’s possible for them to end the season with four straight losses.ABS players know what is at stake in this game as a loss could signal an end to their time in the NPFL.
ABS have not beaten Wolves since a 1-0 win in January 2011. Kabiru Dogo’s men will up their game to avoid losing twice to Wolves this season after a two-nil loss in the reverse fixture.
Prediction: 0-1
Kaduna United vs 3SC (Kaduna United)
What is left of 3SC’s season is a mathematical chance of survival if Kwara United, Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars and Nembe City, all on 49 points, fail to win or draw and they defeat Kaduna United.
Realistically 3SC’s season looks over especially with Kaduna United sitting in 14th spot and just a point above the drop zone.The Crocodiles would do everything to avoid dropping points in this game as keeping their top flight place will be paramount to them. Sadly 3SC will be relegated.
Prediction: 3-1
Kwara United vs Akwa United (Confluence Stadium)
It might sound strange but this game could be the pick of the match day as both teams battle it out in this dogfight at the foot of Mount Patti in Lokoja. The losers of this clash could find themselves relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
It’s amazing that Kwara United find themselves battling for survival after putting up eye-catching outings especially in the first round of this season.This game would quite a contest but Kwara United will edge Akwa United for the full points.
Prediction: 2-1
Dolphins vs Wikki Tourists (Liberation Stadium)
As poor as Dolphins have been this season it won’t be a surprise if they win this encounter.
Wikki are confirmed for the drop though they hold a three-game unbeaten run going to this clash.
PREDICTION: 1-0
