Nigeria Premier League Week 17 Preview

Nigeria preview for Week 17

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Dolphins v Bukola Babes

Weekend games in the Nigeria Premier League will kick of with high flying Bukola Babes staking their eight-match unbeaten run against table topping Dolphins of Portharcourt. This for me is the star game of the week.

Bukola babe's position in the league and the way they play makes it easy to forget that they are one of the newcomers in the Premier League this season.

The last time they lost was by a lone goal in December to Sharks in Port Harcourt.

For Bukola Babes this is going to be a massive test of their mentality on their 2nd visit to the Garden city.

The odds favour Dolphins but Bukola Babes will not be an easy nut for them to crack.

I foresee a draw

Crown FC v Enugu Rangers

The Flying Antelopes’ have been poor on the road this season and that can be narrowed down to defensive style of play. Rangers will have thier work cut out against a Crown FC who are still on a high after defeating Plateau United away from home last weekend.

I think Crown will win this one.

Kwara United v Sharks

Kwara have not won in three games but two of those games have been away games. In their last five away games, they won four and drew one. Sharks on the other hand don't seem to do well on the road at least this season. 

I think Kwara will record a slim victory in this one

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Warri Wolves v Niger Tornadoes

 Since their name was changed from NPA to Warri Wolves, Niger Tornadoes have never picked a point in Warri. Last season, this game ended 2 – 1 in favour of Wolves and Paul Aigbogun’s men look poised to inflict another defeat on Tornadoes this season. 

Tornadoes should win this one

Heartland v Plateau United

Plateau United are on a miserable streak of eight runs without a win and little wonder they handed their head coach, Ndubuisi Nduka, a suspension. Bitrus Bewarang takes charge of his first game and it starts with a difficult trip to Heartland. The last time both sides met in this same fixture was on February 29, 2004 and Heartland then known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale won by a lone goal. 

Heartland will win.

Lobi Stars v 3SC

3SC seem to have lost the steam with which they played in the early parts of the season. They've been all sorts in recent weeks and will have to find a way to revive their season as they travel to Lobi stars who have been average winning 3 of their last 5 games, the 3 winnings coming at home. 

I think they will continue their winning streak at home.

Ocean Boys v Zamfara United

Ocean boys are on a run of 6 straight wins at home and against a Zamfara team that has lost their last 5games away from home, i don't see this winning streak ending.

It's a win for Ocean boys.

Sunshine Stars v Kano Pillars

This is the biggest clash on Sunday.

 In eight head-to-head meeting between the two sides since 2003, Kano Pillars have edged Sunshine Stars with four wins to two. But based on their current home form I think Sunshine Stars will win this one. Kano Pillars have not been good on the road, they've only won one game away from home all season.

Juth FC v Enyimba

Since Enyimba resumed their continental campaign, they seem to have found some sort of inspiration that have seen them win their last 5games both home and away JUTH on the other hand are destined for the drop with their current form, there's nothing about them to make one think they could pose a threat to Enyimba's winning streak

Another away win for the Aba Elephants

Kaduna United v Gombe United

Gombe United go into this match without a win in five games as well as a poor form in away games this season. It is difficult to see where Gombe United’s goal(s) will come from considering that they have not won or picked a point in Kaduna in over five years now.