NPFL fixtures and preview: So much expected as the league starts this weekend

– Enyimba is the defending champion

– Akwa United is a team to watch out for this season

– Kano Pilars to play at home

Naij.com sports preview the much expected Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) new season which will kick off this weekend at different centres in the country with some eye-catching games billed for the week one encounters.

Enyimba who won the League title last season have done a pretty good business in the transfer window, as the Peoples Elephant have captured the signatures of stars like Christian Pyagbara, Dare Ojo, Theophilus Afelokhai, Abu Azeez, Stephen Chukwude, Olufemi Oladapo and Joseph Osadiaye.

Enyimba would want to retain the title they won last season under Kadiri Ikhana who has left the club for another NPFL side, 3SC but their are many title contenders this term as clubs like Akwa United, Nasarawa United, Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars will give Enyimba serious fight for this season’s trophy.

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Many pundits are tipping Akwa United who are the current Federation Cup holders as the best side to challenge Enyimba for this season’s title because the Promise Keepers have won three trophies in four month and their win in Congo in their first tie in the Caf Confederation Cup cannot be over-emphasised under new Belgian manager, Maurice Cooreman.

Sunshine Stars performing guard of honour for Champions Enyimba before kick off of the penultimate game of the 2015 Nigeria Premier League season

After waiting for so many years, this season will also put smiles in the faces of many Lagos fans as Ikorodu United and MFM FC will be campaigning in the League for the very first time in their history.

Here are the fixtures and preview:

Sunshine Stars v Akwa United

Sunshine Stars will welcome Federation Cup holders to the Akure Township Stadium in what many people tagged the clash of the titans going by the pedigree of the two teams.

Both sides have newly appointed experienced managers, and fans will surely be thrilled watching this duel.

Sunshine Stars’ gaffer, Samson Unuanel said to Naij.com Sports that he is happy that Akwa United under Maurice Cooreman are in good form, but promised that they would never escape defeat in Akure.

“Since I began my coaching career, I have never lost my first match and I’m happy that my Boys are facing a strong team, and I’m very sure that the maximum points is ours,” Unuanel said.

Plateau United v Niger Tornadoes

This tie is arguably another interesting encounter that will surely be tough at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.

Both sides clashed in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four final in Abuja with the Minna-based side coming out from the onslaught victorious.

Niger Tornadoes have never in their history won at Plateau United, but their coach Abdullahi Biffo who promoted the team to the top flight said that his wards are capable of getting the three points in Jos.

“The only thing I want is good officiating, and if I can get that, I’m sure my Boys will not leave Jos without any point if not for the three points,” Biffo said to Naij.com Sports.

Nasarawa United v MFM FC

Coach Kabiru Dogo has changed the fortune of Nasarawa United since he replaced Baba Ganaru last year, and he gave his fans a good gift by qualifying the Lafia-based team for continental games this year.

Dogo and his wards will begin life this Sunday in the Nigeria’s top flight at home against newcomers, MFM FC of Lagos.

The former ABS manager said to Naij.com Sports that he had warned his boys not to underrate their visitors on the match day in Lafia.

“For MFM FC to have promoted to the top flight, it means they are a good side considering the number of clubs they defeated for them to gain promotion and I have told my Boys to take this match with all seriousness,” Dogo said.

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Sunday’s clash between Nasarawa United and MFM FC will be the first ever encounter between the two teams.

Kano Pillars v Enugu Rangers

Before they were dethroned last season by Enyimba, Kano Pillars have not being getting their nerves together in the League and even they had a disastrous outing in the Caf Champions League as they were bundled out in the first round.

The financier of the team which is the Kano State government decided to bring back Baba Ganaru to the team, but the man who won the League two-times for the Sai Masugida was unable to finish among the top four last season.

Kano Pillars last season lost their eleven years unbeaten record at home to Nasarawa United, and they will kick start this season with a tie at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata against Enugu Rangers.

Enugu Rangers on the other hand are not a bad side, and since Imama Amakapabo took over as the technical adviser, things have been going on well with the team.

Enyimba v Rivers United

Reigning champions, Enyimba would want to put the disappointment the suffered in their first match in the Caf Champions League behind them and focus on the first tie in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against Rivers United.

The Peoples Elephant have gone three matches without scoring a goal and they would want to start the new season with a win in Aba.

Heartland v Warri Wolves

Warri Wolves are still battling the rigours of not winning the League last season, and the Sea Siders would want to start their campaign this term on a high.

Heartland on the other hand were not impressive last season as they lost couple of games at home. Their 2-3 loss at home to Sunshine Stars in week 12 forced the management of the team to kicked out Coach Erasmus Onuh.

Elkanemi Warriors v Wikki Tourists

Last season, Elkanemi Warriors escaped relegation on the last day as they had a woeful campaign in the Nigeria’s top flight.

Wikki Tourists on the other hand almost snatched a continental ticket, and their coach Abdul Makaiba would want to excel this season.

This tie is a tough northern derby that will be played in Katsina, and it can go either way.

Giwa FC v FC IfeanyiUbah

Giwa FC proprietor, Chris Giwa was disappointed for his Boys not to have gotten a continental ticket last season, and he has challenged them to begin their campaign this term with a victory over FC IfeanyiUbah in Jos.

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Ikorodu United v Abia Warriors

Ikorodu United will be facing Abia Warriors for the first time in the top flight in their maiden campaign, and it is expected that Lagos fans would come out in mass to help Ikorodu United to victory.

3SC v Lobi Stars

After winning the League title last season with Enyimba, Kadiri Ikhana was thrown out from Aba, and 3SC wasted no time and snapped him up with a mouth watering contract.

Ikhana, who is a veteran coach as far as the Nigeria football is concerned will line his Boys against Lobi Stars at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

“I want to make sure that I give 3SC fans what they want this season, and I will try my best to help the team,” Ikhana said.

Lobi Stars on the other have sacked Coach Justin Tenger after failing to win the Federation Cup last season, and he has been replaced with Godwin Koko Uwa who would want to prove his capability to his employers in this tie.

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