The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League enter the mid-way point with some classical fixtures across different centers this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Shooting Stars vs Enyimba FC
In what will be the biggest clash of the weekend, Shooting Stars will welcome Enyimba FC to the Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan for a renewal of their historical fixtures.
The last time this fixture came up at the same venue, it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Head-to-head
In the last eight clashes between both sides, 2 games ended scoreless draw with both teams winning " games a-piece.
Form
Shooting Stars - DLLWD
Enyimba FC - DWWLL
Doma United vs Rivers United
In the battle of United, Doma who are yet to concede a goal playing in front of their fans his season will hope they can continue their impressive home record when host Nigeria's only remaining team in the continent, Rivers United.
Head-to-head
Doma United and Rivers United FC played so far 2 matches. Doma won one and Rivers won the other. The last time this fixture came up in Gombe, Doma won 2-1.
Form
Doma United - LWLWL
Rivers United - LDDLW
Kwara United vs Sunshine Stars
Two familiar foes not in a too friendly position on the NPFL log will today clash at the Ilorin township in a must win game as they seek to turn their season around. 15th on the log, " points behind Sunshine Stars who will be their Saturday's visitor, Kwara united will hope they can secure a good win that can help redefined their not too good season.
Head-to-head
Teams Kwara United Sunshine Stars played so far 21 matches. Kwara United won 7 direct matches. Sunshine Stars won 9 matches. 5 matches ended in a draw. 19th June 2022 was the last time this fixture took place and it ended 2-1 in favour of the host, Kwara United.
Form
Kwara United - LDWLL
Sunshine Stars - DDWLD
Lobi Stars vs Plateau United
It 's a case of 1st place against 3rd when Lobi Stars host Plateau United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday. These two North Central teams who are familiar with themselves have all to play for as the result will determine their position in the leadership of the NPFL going into the second round of fixtures.
Head-to-head
Teams Lobi Stars Plateau United played so far 13 matches. Lobi Stars won 3 direct matches. Plateau United won 6 matches. 4 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.85 goals per Match.
Form
Lobi Stars - WLWWD
Plateau United - LWLWW
Bendel Insurance vs Sporting Lagos
After their initial fine start to the league season, Lagos tech boys are now languishing in the relegation zone and to get back their confidence and chances of leaving the drop zone anytime soon, they need a miracle in Benin, the fortress home of Bendel Insurance.
Head-to-head
This will be the first meeting ever between both sides.
Form
Bendel Insurance - LWDWL
Sporting Lagos - LDLLD
Remo Stars vs Abia Warriors
Title Contenders Remo Stars will once again try to reclaim the top spot from Lobi Stars as they welcome Abia Warriors to Ikenne. Daniel Ogunmodede men are one of the favourites to win the league and they currently second on the log, a point behind Lobi Stars. Abia Warriors who are 9th on the log will hope to cause an upset when they play the Sky Blues on Sunday.
Head-to-head
Remo Stars and Abia Warriors played so far 4 matches. Remo Stars won 2 direct matches. Abia Warriors won 1 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.00 goals per Match.
Form
Remo Stars - LWLWL
Abia Warriors - WLWLW
Gombe United vs Bayelsa United
Strugglers Gombe and Bayelsa United will continue their fight against the drop when they clash at the Pantami Stadium on Sunday. Gomb United, 19th on the log will push for a chance to leave the rest zone which only a victory can give them against 18th placed Bayelsa United who currently have the same points with them (17).
Head-to-head
Gombe United and Bayelsa United played so far 10 matches. Gombe United won 5 direct matches. Bayelsa United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.30 goals per Match
Form
Gombe United - DWLDL
Bayelsa United - LDLLW
Niger Tornadoes vs Kastina United
With 3 wins in their last 5 games, Kastina United will target a win against their Northern brothers Niger Tornadoes who on their own have recorded two wins in their last 5 games. With just 3 points away from the drop zone, Niger Tornadoes will target this North derby to move far away from the relegation zone.
Head-to-head
Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United of recent have met 7 times. Niger Tornadoes won 2 direct matches. Katsina United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.14 goals per Match.
Form
Niger Tornadoes - DWLWD
Kastina United - LWLWW
Akwa United vs Enugu Rangers
Since they won the league in 2021, Akwa United have been struggling and the closest they come to pushing for the top league prize was last season when they narrowly missed out of the Super Six on goal difference. The team return to its struggling stage after relieving coach Deji Ayeni of his duties at the end of that season and when they thought things will get better, they are deep in the relegation waters. They play host to Fidelis Ilechukwu's Enugu Rangers on Sunday.
Head-to-head
Akwa United and Enugu Rangers played so far 25 matches. Akwa United won 5 direct matches. Enugu Rangers won 11 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.08 goals per Match.
Form
Akwa United - LDLWL
Enugu Rangers - WDWLW
Kano Pillars vs Heartland
Another traditional topflight derby will come up this weekend as Kano Pillars and Heartland meet for the first time in the NPFL since 2022 when they both relegated to the lower division. With Kano Pillars 6th on the log, Heartland are rocking it at the bottom of the log.
Head-to-head
Recent record shows that Kano Pillars Heartland Owerri played 29 matches against each other. Kano Pillars won 11 direct matches. Heartland Owerri won 11 matches. 7 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.10 goals per Match.
Form
Kano Pillars - WLWWD
Heartland FC - LWLWL
It promises to be an interesting weekend across the country with league actions set to ignite the already burning fire in the Sports industry started by the Super Eagles who defeated AFCON host, Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 in front of their fans on Wednesday.
By Oluwayemi Omolagba