Nigeria Professional Football League action returns on Wednesday as the battles for the league title, continental ticket, and top-flight survival intensify.
Given the recent impressive away victories recorded in the league, expect that trend to continue in this latest round of matches.
Enugu Rangers vs. MFM FC
Crisis-ridden Enugu Rangers, defending champions threatened with relegation, host MFM FC in what appears to be a mismatch based on contrasting league positions. Enugu Rangers slipped into the bottom four this past weekend after an away loss in Kano, while MFM FC firmed up second place thanks to Stephen Odey's winning strike against Wikki Tourists. If the visiting team get something out of this game, it would further sink the champions. In the reverse fixture played in Lagos, Sikiru Olatunbosun gained his five minutes of global fame by netting a wondergoal which eventually won CNN goal of the week.
Enyimba vs. Lobi Stars
Seventh-placed Enyimba will be put to test when they host fifth-placed Lobi Stars, who have netted seven goals in their last three games, the division's best return in that period. Lobi Stars have more than held their own in recent seasons against the People's Elephant, picking up a draw in their last away game. A win for Enyimba ensures they return into the top four, an on-and-off occurrence, while Lobi Stars could consolidate their current position by avoiding defeat.
Plateau United vs. FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Leaders Plateau United and FC Ifeanyi Ubah meet in a top half clash in Jos. The teams are separated by six points and the pressure does appear to be on the hosts, who cannot afford to slip up at this stage. Given the hosts' impressive home record this season, it will be a surprise if they fail to end the round top of the table after facing sixth-place FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
Abia Warriors vs. Akwa United
Third-place Akwa United must bring their A-game to the party away from home against 11th-place Abia Warriors if they want to keep up with the leaders. The visiting team, parading an array of exciting forwards, have been one of the better sides on the road this season, earning seven points in recent away games. Sunday Adetunji of Abia Warriors and Alhassan Ibrahim of Akwa United, both recent call-ups to the CHAN Eagles, have 21 league goals between them and either of them could be decisive in this game.
Rivers United vs. Sunshine Stars
Rivers United are on the verge of making it four successive games without tasting defeat, when they host 16th-placed Sunshine Stars in Port Harcourt. Sunshine Stars missed a big opportunity to move to a spot just outside the top half as they suffered a home loss at the weekend, a defeat which could prove to be a determining factor in their survival bid. On the other hand, Rivers United, with Ayo Saka formerly of Sunshine Stars now in their ranks, could get to the 40-point mark for the season with a win, an outcome which improves their 13th position on the table.
Remo Stars vs. Shooting Stars
Remo Stars are searching for a first win in six games when they host 15th-placed Shooting Stars, who will be out to show superiority in this south west derby. The reverse fixture in Ibadan ended in a draw, but that seems a long time ago for rock bottom Remo Stars, who could seal their relegation fate with yet another home draw or defeat.
Nasarawa United vs. El Kanemi Warriors
Ninth-placed Nasarawa United look good to earn a point or three at home against poor travellers El Kanemi Warriors, who sit in in fourth place despite their struggles on the road. The Solid Miners have good momentum going into this game, after securing a valuable away win at the weekend in Akure. A second win in three days could see them moving two spots up on the table.
Wikki Tourists vs. ABS FC
Wikki Tourists look perfectly poised to inflict more misery on 18th-placed ABS FC, a team currently on a freefall without a win in five games. Coach Bala Nikyu has impressively turned things around at Wikki Tourists since his midseason arrival. His team should increase their points haul but not necessarily improve on 14th place, against an ABS FC team who have scored five goals in 14 away games this season.