After 89 matches in nine Matchdays – the only outstanding being Enyimba v Remo Stars – Doma United uncharacteristically occupy the summit in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Based in Gombe, the 29-year-old club only gained promotion into the elite division the other season.
But they have been able to hold their own as “big” sides Lobi Stars and Shooting Stars trail them on account of goal difference, while Remo Stars and Rangers are two points behind.
The star fixture of Matchday 10 is in Ikenne-Remo where No. 4 Remo Stars host No. 1 Doma United. The Sky Blue Stars have been ruthless at home, sending all four visiting teams, including Rangers and Shooting Stars, this season back home empty-handed.
Doma are not likely to survive the Kunle Soname-inspired Remo, a situation that will see the Ikenne-Remo squad go above their visitors, or even end the Matchday on top of the table.
So far, this is a season to forget for Heartland, who, in nine games, are yet to record a win, and sit at the foot of the table. Four teams – Lobi Stars, Katsina United, Rivers United and Bayelsa United – have visited Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri to collect a point each. Enyimba are also in Owerri this Matchday to at least pick a point and chase early front runners.
In Lafia, their adopted home, Lobi Stars will welcome Shooting Stars. Both sides are on the same points.
The top oriental clash holds in Umuahia between home side Abia Warriors and old war horse, Rangers. The Flying Antelopes are fifth on the log after picking 15 points from nine matches, while the Warriors are 12th with 12 points.
Bendel Insurance will face the huge army of Kano Pillars fanbase at the Saini Abacha Stadium in Kano. Both sides are separated by a point, but Insurance are five places above Pillars.
Former champions Akwa United continue the battle against the drop as they travel to Kaduna to face Niger Tornadoes. Both the Promise Keepers and their hosts are in the bottom four with Bayelsa United also in that danger zone.
Rivers United, who placed 10th, will not be on duty this weekend due to continental match on Sunday against Angola’s Académica Petróleos do Lobito. It’s the beginning of the group phase of CAF Confederation Cup this weekend.
Saturday’s fixtures: Heartland v Enyimba, Remo Stars v Doma United (both 4 pm); Plateau United v Rivers United (postponed)
Sunday’s fixtures: Abia Warriors v Rangers, Katsina United v Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars v Sporting Lagos, Lobi Stars v Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars v Bendel Insurance, Kwara United v Gombe United, Niger Tornadoes v Akwa United (all 4 pm)
