The two frontrunners in the topflight of Nigeria’s domestic league – Rivers United and Plateau United – are on the road this Matchday.
Plateau United will file out at the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin on Monday, while the Pride of Rivers are guests of Katsina United the day after.
Leaders Rivers United, the best attacking team this season with 33 goals, have a two-point advantage, which they have been protecting for weeks unending.
Third placed Rangers are engaged in a southeast top clash with Rangers in Aba. Revenge is the driving force behind the Flying Antelopes for this game as they lost the reverse fixture 0-1 in Enugu.
Coach Abdul Maikaba’s are optimistic of inflicting a similar pain on Enyimba to close the seven-point gap between them and Plateau United.
Ahead of that Match-of-the-Week, Rangers’ Chief Coach Mbwas Mangut is equally optimistic. He told his club’s media: ‘This is an oriental derby which is our own “El-Classico” and we are in a good shape to give it our best shot. It will be difficult but we have our work cut out and getting the three points remains our target knowing fully that Enyimba inflicted on us our first defeat this season in Nnewi.
‘Thankfully, some of the players on the injury list are getting back to the Matchday squad which gives us more options. We are positive going into this encounter and we hope to get the needed result to enhance our position on the log’.
Enyimba have been so average this season with a statistics of 8-5-8 in terms of win, draw and loss. There’s a gulf of eight points with Rangers.
‘We have prepared well for this game, and we will go into it with belief, ‘ says Enyimba’s coach Finidi George.
‘We know the history of these clubs, and we want to make Enyimba proud,’ he assured the fans.
The People’s Elephant’s last game in Aba ended 2-0 I’m their favour with Wikki Tourists at the receiving end.
The Tourists, placed in sixth, are guests of Niger Tornadoes, who are just a step and a point above the drop zone. Only one away have been recorded this term by Wikki, and that was against Dakkada FC.
Sunshine Stars are hot on the heels of Wikki Tourists with a point separating both sides. The Akure Gunners were beaten on their home ground 0-1 by Enyimba on Matchday 11, the only blemish in their home record.
Sunday’s fixtures: Sunshine Stars v Abia Warriors, Enyimba v Rangers, Niger Tornadoes v Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars v Kano Pillars, MFM v Dakkada FC (all 4 pm)
Mondays fixtures: Gombe United v Nasarawa United, Kwara United v Plateau United, Akwa United v Shooting Stars (all 4 pm)
Tuesday’s fixture: Heartland v Remo Stars (4 pm)
