Derby Sunday: Ilechukwu leads Rangers to battle in Umuahia as Paul Offor's Sporting visits Akure
This Sunday in Akure, Paul Offor and his Sporting Lagos will play their second topflight Southwest derby when they visit Akure for a date with Sunshine Stars at the Akure Township Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Sunshine Stars vs Sporting Lagos
The Last two NPFL results have been a thing of worry to the Lagos Tech Boys who have managed to pick-up just a point in the games, and it was against struggling Heartland FC of Owerri at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.
The last time they played a Southwest derby, they lost 2-1 to remo Stars in Ikenne. This could be a different story for them entirely as Sunday's opponent have managed only two wins from 9 games played since the start of the season.
Head-to-head
This will be the first topflight clash between the two Southwest clubs.
Form Guide
Sunshine Stars - LWDDD
Sporting Lagos - WLWLD
Abia Warriors vs Rangers Int'l
Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Working One as he fondly called will hope his side bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw with kastina United at home last weekend.
Named as one of the favourites for the league title this season, Fidelis Ilechukwu and his men will have to show their title credentials on Sunday when they play Abia Warriors in the Oriental Derby at the Umuahia Stadium.
Head-to-head
Both clubs have met 16 times since 2014. 6 wins for Warriors in the process, 6 wins for Rangers as well with 4 ending in a draw
Form Guide
Abia Warriors - WLWLL
Rangers Int'l - WLWDD
Kano pillars vs Bendel Insurance
In Kano, one of the oldest derbies in the country will reignite as Kano Pillars welcome Bendel Insurance to the Sanni Abacha Stadium. Monday Odigie will hope his men can close up the leakage at the back a bit especially after conceding 4 goals in their last two games.
Head-to-head
Kano Pillars and Bendel Insurance have played each other twice since 2008. Kano Pillars won one of the fixtures and the other ended in a draw.
Form Guide
Kano Pillars - LWLWL
Bendel Insurance - DWDDD
Lobi Stars vs Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars are enjoying a bright start to the NPFL season, something they haven't experienced in the last 10 years. Ogunbote will hope his men can build on their recent form that has seen them pick-up 7 points from the last 3 games.
Head-to-head
Since 2015 Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars have clashed 8 times. 4 wins of Lobi Stars for Lobi Stars in the process. 3 wins for Shooting Stars and 1 draw.
Form Guide
Lobi Stars - LWLWL
Shooting Stars - DWDDD
Kwara United vs Gombe United
A point at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin against Bendel Insurance wasn't a bad result for Kwara United last weekend but they can consolidate on that when they welcome Gombe United to the Ilorin Township Stadium on Sunday.
Head-to-head
In their last 14 matches, Kwara United won 7. Gombe United won 5 and 2 ended in a draw.
Form Guide
Kwara United - LWLDD
Gombe United - WLLLW
Niger Tornadoes vs Akwa United
After a very poor start to the season, Fatai Osho and his men had a relatively great game last weekend as they defeated Remo Stars 3-2. With no win for Niger Tornadoes in their last five games, Akwa United might stand a chance of picking a favourable result.
Head-to-head
10 clashes between them since 2012. Akwa United won 7 of those fixtures while Tornadoes recorded 3 victories.
Form Guide
Niger Tornadoes - LDLDL
Akwa United - DWDLW
Kastina United vs Bayelsa
After a great game in the East last weekend where they held Rangers to a goaless draw, Kastina United will face struggling Bayelsa United on Sunday. A win for them will further booster their chances of finishing in the top three at the end of the season.
Head-to-head
This will be the first topflight meeting between Kastina United and Bayelsa United.
Form Guide
Kastina United - WLLWD
Bayelsa United - WLLDD
By Oluwayemi Omolagba