The Predictor - Tornadoes stuttering
by George Akpayen 11 July 2012, 06:49
Barring any hitch, ten games are expected to take place this Wednesday with Owerri playing host to the big game of the matchday in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). Cup holders, Heartland face league champions, Dolphins live on SuperSport 9 from 4pm local time (5pm CAT).
There will also be interesting match-ups in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Katsina-Ala, Hadejia and Ijebu-Ode. Here's a full preview of Matchday 34:
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Ocean Boys v Enugu Rangers (Samson Siasia Stadium)
Table-topping Rangers face basement boys, Ocean Boys. Rangers have beaten their hosts once at home in the top flight in February 2007 when they won 2-1. After that Ocean Boys have gone on to win this same game four times without conceding.
Rangers won the first meeting 4-0 in Enugu but should not expect any favours from Ocean Boys, warned their caretaker coach, Ada Gwegwe. It's also unclear if Chikeluba Ofoedu will play after returning from trials with Norway's Rosenborg.
Our prediction: 1-0
Niger Tornadoes v Kwara United (Bako Kontagora Stadium)
It was 2-2 in the first clash in Abuja. Kwara United have not won in their last three visits to Minna. Kwara United last won at Tornadoes five years ago by 3-0.
Tornadoes are on a stuttering run having lost twice on the bounce to ABS and Enugu Rangers on the road. Leading scorer, Sibi Gwar should help the hosts to a win.
Our prediction: 2-0
Akwa United v Wikki Tourists (Uyo Township Stadium)
This is the clash of promoted sides. The first game between both teams ended 1-0 as Mustapha Ibrahim scored the winner for the Tourists. Akwa United have won the last two games of this fixture by identical score of 3-1.
Wikki have had one of the worst runs on the road this season and it will be difficult for them to leave Akwa United with a point.
Our prediction: 2-0
Lobi Stars v Enyimba (Emmanuel Atongo)
Enyimba have lost in their last four games on the road, and another loss at Lobi will leave their ambition of a record seventh title in tatters. In the reverse game, Lobi left Aba unscathed after a goalless draw.
David Tyavkase will be leading Lobi's charge against his former team as they bid to claim third spot in the standings from Enyimba. It's looking like Lobi's game.
Our prediction: 1-0
Sharks v Kano Pillars (Sharks Stadium)
Kano Pillars are on a run of five unbeaten games but face a Sharks team full of individual talented players like Bright Ejike, Victor Ezeji, Gomo Onduku and Terry Envoh among others. Pillars were ruthless in the reverse game winning 4-0.
In recent years, Kano Pillars have struggled in Port Harcourt. Though Baba Ganaru will have a strong squad for this game, the Blue Angels will prove too difficult as they will edge this.
Our prediction: 2-1
Heartland v Dolphins (Dan Anyiam Stadium; live on SS9)
Dolphins will be fired up for this game after players and officials got car and cash gifts this week. Heartland may have dropped ten points at home this term but they are not lacking in playing personnel to match the champions.
The Cup holders, Heartland will miss Bartholomew Ibenegbu, who is suspended for this game but will still battle hard to win this game by the odd goal as Dolphins have a terrible run of nine years of not getting a point in Owerri.
Our prediction: 1-0
Jigawa Golden Stars v 3SC (Hadejia Township Stadium)
Moses Ogaga will be back in Hadejia to face his old team, Jigawa Stars. 3SC won the first game this term but face a Herculean task at Jigawa on Wednesday.
The Golden Stars have quite an impressive record at home having taken 37 points from 45 this term without a loss. It will be difficult for 3SC to leave Hadejia with a point as Evans Ogenyi's team will be keen to continue their fight for survival.
Our prediction: 1-0
Sunshine Stars v Rising Stars (Dipo Dina Stadium)
Sunshine Stars have failed to win in their last four games in all competitions including the cup games. City rivals, Rising Stars have not done better either as both go head-to-head in this derby for the second time in the top flight.
Gbenga Ogunbote's men should complete the double over Rising Stars after winning the reverse game 3-0.
Our prediction: 2-0
ABS FC v Gombe United (Ilorin Township Stadium)
ABS surprisingly got a point in the first match after Andrew Abalogu's late strike cancelled out Mustapha Babadidi's first half goal.
This time ABS will go for the full points and expect Abdulrahman Bashir, who has scored in his last two appearances to get on the score sheet for the hosts.
Our prediction: 1-0
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Warri Wolves v Kaduna United (Warri City Stadium)
Wolves have taken just six points from their last five games and will want to ignite their push for a top three spot against Kaduna United. They have struggled to win by 1-0 scorelines in their last two home games.
Kaduna United won the reverse game 2-1. Maurice Cooreman, Victor Ezema and Jude Aneke are all up to face their old team in this tie as Wolves are favoured to win.
Our prediction: 2-0
*The Predictor on Matchday 33 got SEVEN correct results including ONE actual scoreline.
