Preview of Week 4 games Football | Nigeria

The champions make a long trip from Aba to Offa with the hope of grabbing all points in this game against newcomers, Bukola Babes. The problem with Enyimba is that they are yet to get into the groove due to the departure of too many first-team players in the off-season. But they have still got playmaker Josiah Maduabuchi, who can singlehanded wreck havoc. However, the Babes will hope that defender Henry Ubom and co will raise their game for this tie. The Peoples Elephant should leave Offa with a point.

Our prediction: 0 – 0
Recent head-to-head
None

Dolphin v Gombe United

Both sides have started well but Gombe United go into this game unbeaten. Bernard Ogbe’s side have the edge in terms of average goal(s) per game that stands at 1.67 compared to Dolphin’s one goal per game. But that will count for nothing, as Dolphin will look to inflict a first defeat on Gombe United.

Our prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Dolphin 1 – 0 Gombe United
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Gombe United 2 – 0 Dolphin

Juth FC v Warri Wolves

The Healers and the Wolves are both unbeaten in the three-week old league. Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth) Football Club will be aiming for their first win of the season after three straight draws. Coach Tunde Rahman will bank on goalkeeper Fidelis Eze to keep Wolves at bay. But Wolves will be without influential defensive midfielder, Emmanuel Omodiagbe, who has been left out of this trip to Jos. It looks a tricky tie for both sides.

Our prediction: 1 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Juth FC 0 – 0 Warri Wolves
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Warri Wolves 2 – 0 Juth FC

Kano Pillars v Shooting Stars

This is a big test for Shooting Stars’ impressive start to the season. Kano Pillars after suffering their first loss at Kwara United last weekend will go out blazing against the Stars in this game. This game is expected to be a cracker with Gbolahan Salami, Kabiru Alausa, Chima Akas and Raheem Owolabi aiming to pull down the Pillars in front of their fans at the Sani Abacha Stadium. But that looks a tall order on paper with Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali, Abdulwasiu Showemimo, Joseph Thompson and Gabriel Reuben ready to end their unbeaten start.

Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Wednesday, October, 14, 2009
Kano Pillars 1 – 0 Shooting Stars
Saturday, February, 27, 2010
Shooting Stars 0 – 0 Kano Pillars

Crown FC v Kwara United

We are sure that Kadiri Ikhana will be furious with his side if they fail to pick a win in Ilaro on Saturday. But that might not happen since Crown Football Club are still fresh for the challenge of the top-flight like they have shown in their opening three games. Asuquo Philip, John Fayoseh, Gabriel Agu, Daniel Bode and Harrison Egbune can produce the upset of Week 4 by ensuring that Kwara United suffer a second loss this season.

Our prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
None

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Heartland v Kaduna United

The Naze Millionaires have not started well and only last weekend threw away a two-goal lead at Warri Wolves. But they face Maurice Cooreman’s team in a home game and as usual Samson Siasia is expected to continue in his role from the stands rather than in the dugout. Sani Aruwa is expected to travel with Kaduna United for this game after missing their last two games. Osas Okoro and Bello Kofarmata should make the difference for Heartland in this game though Jude Aneke will be lurking around to increase his haul this term.

Our prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Heartland 2 – 0 Kaduna United
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Kaduna United 3 – 2 Heartland

Zamfara Utd v Plateau United

It has been a laboured start for Plateau United and their gaffer, Ndubuisi Nduka, who has been given the ‘dreaded vote of confidence’ after losing their first two home games. Nduka could get into trouble if his side drop all points at Zamfara United on Sunday in Kano. It will be interesting to see how both sides go up in this game of equally-matched teams. But Zamfara should nick this one.

Our prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
None

Sunshine Stars v Enugu Rangers

This game highlights Nigeria’s own ‘Super Sunday.’ The Flying Antelopes with a 4.33 goals per game this season thanks to the 5 – 2 thrashing of Ocean Boys last weekend go up against Gbenga Ogunbote’s side in Ijebu-Ode. This game could produce a new leader of the league after the round of four games. Expect to see those darting runs of Ejike Uzoenyi, Fred Okwara, Uche Nwofor, Charles Taylor and John Nnam. But defensive midfielder Cletus Itodo appears to have brought stability to the backline of Ogunbote’s side and we will see how they fair against the pacy and free-scoring Rangers. It will be a tight finish.

Our prediction: 3 – 2
RSunday, February 28, 2010
Enugu Rangers 0 – 0 Sunshine Stars
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunshine Stars 2 – 1 Enugu Rangers
Sunday, March 3, 2009
Sunshine Stars 1 – 1 Enugu Rangers

Ocean Boys v Sharks

The Blue Angels will face their bogey team this weekend. Sharks have managed just one win in eight meetings against Ocean Boys since 2006. Ocean Boys, meanwhile, have changed their head coach in the wake of their scandalous 2 – 5 loss at Rangers last weekend. Victor Ezeji, who suffered a dead leg, is expected to figure in this one with the hope of continuing in his scoring form. John Obuh’s men look good to hit Ocean Boys on the road in this game.

Our prediction: 1 – 2
Recent head-to-head
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Sharks
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sharks 1 – 0 Ocean Boys

Lobi Stars v Niger Tornadoes

This will be the 15th meeting between the two sides since 2003. In the past seven seasons, it has been all squared between the two teams with five wins each and the other four games ending in draws. Samson Unuanel takes charge for this trip to Lobi Stars after Ladan Bosso’s suspension. The only rare of hope for Tornadoes is that Lobi have been made to play at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo away from Makurdi for the time being. Tornadoes should take a point away from this game especially, as Lobi Stars are still struggling to get into their stride.

Our prediction: 0 – 0
Recent head-to-head
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Niger Tornadoes 2 – 0 Lobi Stars
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Lobi Stars 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes