The Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Matchday 31 matchups begin off today throughout nine centers, with Dakkada FC, MFM FC, Lobi Stars, and Heartland fighting to avoid relegation, while Rivers United and Plateau United battle again as the title race heats up.
Rivers United vs Plateau United
The top two teams will once again face off in what will be the top of the table clash. Rivers who are leading the pack are seven points ahead of their rivals but that won’t stop the 2017 champions from cutting the lead to four points with 7 more games to go. Rivers will seek to revenge for the 1-0 loss during the reverse fixture to extend their lead on the table.
Akwa United vs MFM
It will be a Herculean task for troubled MFM to move out of the relegation zone as they take a trip to titleholders, Akwa United at the Nest of Champions. The Uyo based club will also need all points to increase their chances of continental football next season, while MFM will want to build on their win Gombe United where they scored three goals in a league match for the first time this season. The first leg ended 0-0.
Enugu Rangers vs Wikki Tourists
Rangers will look to bounce back from their 4-0 defeat to Plateau United when they host Wikki Tourists at The Cathedral. The defeat was the biggest NPFL defeat for Rangers Int’l FC since they lost 4-0 to Abia Warriors in 2017. The first leg ended 0-0.
Enyimba vs Sunshine Stars
The Aba Warriors may do a double over Sunshine Stars after winning the reverse fixture by a lone goal. Enyimba will be without their coach, Finidi George who is on national duty with the Super Eagles in the USA. His assistant, Ortega Deniran will be in the dugout to shatter their guests’ continental dreams.
Gombe Utd vs Heartland FC
Relegation-threatened Heartland FC will relish the chance to secure maximum points when they play against Gombe United. The first leg ended 1-1 but with Gombe losing their last game and Heartland winning, the Imo based will be optimistic to compound the woes of the hosts.
Katsina United vs Niger Tornadoes
This is a battle of the middle table as both clubs are just 2 points above the drop zone and will have a go at each other once again. The reverse fixture ended 2-1 in favour of the guests and both teams will seek the maximum points to avoid dropping into the relegation zones.
Lobi Stars vs Kwara United
High flying Kwara United have another opportunity to have a double over an underperforming Lobi Stars. The first leg ended 1-0 in favour of Kwara and Lobi who dropped further into the relegation zone and have a herculean task ahead of them.
Shooting Stars vs Remo Stars
The South West derby is expected to be explosive as 3SC who are just four points away from the drop zone need their strikers to deliver and prevent going back to the lower division just after one season back to top-flight football.
Nasarawa Utd vs Abia Warriors
With two points separating both teams and with both teams circling around the drop zone, it will be a fight to finish to secure maximum points.
Meanwhile, the game between Dakkada FC and Kano Pillars will be played on June 15th according to fixtures released.
