The Nigerian Professional Football League resumes this weekend again. Last weekend, Remo Stars moved to the top of the league, currently topping Doma United on goal difference. Remo Stars secured a hard-fought draw at Abia, with Ahmed Akindele being sent off at 83 min. On the other hand, Doma United lost to River United in a goal fest showdown and will be looking to bounce back this time.
Bayelsa, Enyimba, and Sporting Lagos also won with a clean sheet. This week’s clashes will be even more fun. Here is our top pick for the week
Bayelsa United vs Gombe
Matchday 20 of the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League features a match between Bayelsa United and Gombe United.
Five of Akwa United’s last ten home matches have ended in a draw, putting them unblemished at home this season. Notwithstanding their satisfactory home performance this season, the Uyo organizations are encountering difficulties maintaining their position in the top division, as they presently share sixteenth place with Bayelsa United (18th place) and 21 points.
This season, Bayelsa United have a losing record away from home, having drawn four and suffered six defeats in their last ten league matches. The team has encountered inconsistent results over the past few weeks, amassing two victories and two defeats in their previous five league matches. After 20 games, Bayelsa Utd are in the eighteenth position with 21 points due to their sluggish start to the season.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Bayelsa United: Kelvin, Loveday, Oladimeji, Biriduba, Ayiba, Arise, Mustapha, Tekena, Mizo, Ekeson, James
Gombe United: Itodo, Frank, Sadiq, Emeka, Bashiru, Nurudden, Mustapha, Ahmed, Chijioke, Abba, Aliko
Our Prediction
There has been little difference in form between the two clubs, but we’re going with Bayelsa United to win 1-0 over Gombe United. In 19 matches, Gombe Utd scored 13 goals, while the hosts scored 23.
Given that Bayelsa United has scored 2.89 goals per game and Gombe Utd has scored 2.26 goals per game after 19 matches, we anticipate that there will be less than 2.5 goals in this encounter between the two teams.
Bendel Insurance vs Enyimba
Benin City will be the site of matchday 21 of 38 in the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League, which pits Bendel Insurance against Enyimba. Date: 24/02/2024 Time: 16:00 Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is the venue.
Bendel Insurance is rock strong with eight victories and two ties in their previous ten league home matches. Their home record is the main reason they are in eighth place with 30 points, and they may go as high as fifth place with a victory over Enyimba.
With three wins and one draw in their previous ten league matches away from home, Enyimba is a passable road team. The People’s Elephants are now in third place with 35 points despite their patchwork away performances. If they can pull off a miraculous victory against Bendel in Benin this weekend, they can take over the league lead.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Bendel Insurance: Obasogie, Anyanwu, Akonbudu, Emiloju, Djong, Sodje, Ogbonda, Osaghae Jr., Obata, Nwachukwu, Okereke
Enyimba: Ozoemena, Alade, Ekwutoziam, Nnachi, Mbaoma, Daga, Eze, Alalibo, Obot, Awazie, Asuquo
Our Prediction
We are predicting a 1-0 victory for Bendel Insurance. While Enyimba has been mediocre away from home, Bendel Insurance has been outstanding at home, winning three of their previous ten league matches.
The final score of the Bendel Insurance vs. Enyimba match can be less than 2.5 goals. In Bendel’s past ten games, under 2.5 goals have been scored nine times, whereas in Enyimba’s previous ten games, under three goals have been scored six times.
Kano Pillars vs Sunshine Stars
The Sunshine Stars will face the Kano Pillars in Kano on matchday 21 of the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League. Date: 25/02/2024 18:00 Sani Abacha Stadium is the location.
Kano Pillars have won nine of their last ten home league matches and drawn one to remain unblemished at home this season. Additionally, they have notched two draws and three victories in their previous five league matches, which is respectable. Due to their impressive performance over the past few weeks, Kano Pillars are currently ranked fifth with 33 points after 20 games.
Seven of the last ten away league matches have been lost, with Sunshine Stars tallying three draws. Also concerning is that they have secured a solitary victory in their previous five league matches. Due to their abysmal start to the season, Sunshine Stars currently hold the 15th spot with 23 points.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Kano Pillars: Galadima, Fahad, Musa, Habib, Babawo, Ali, Idris, Sani, Messi, Yuga, Umpapa
Sunshine Stars: Lawal, Emmanuel, Taiwo, Osimaga, Chidozie, Mutiu, Yusuf, Uko, Nelson, Pam, Olufemi
Our Prediction
We expect a 2-0 victory for Kano Pillars. Kano Pillars are exceptional at home, having won nine of their last ten league matches and drawing one. In contrast, Sunshine is dreadful on the road, having lost seven and drawn three of their previous ten league matches away from home.
Final score: under 2.5 goals for Kano Pillars versus Sunshine Stars. Sunshine Stars’ last ten matches concluded with less than three goals, whereas five of Kano Pillars’ previous ten games ended with less than 2.5 goals.