Oriental Derby: Abia Warriors host Heartland as Rivers United face Ikorodu City

Football fans in Umuahia are in for another glorious weekend, when two of the South East’s biggest clubs, Abia Warriors and Heartland, clash in week nine of the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

Abia Warriors are in a position (fifth) they have not been for a long time and the way the team is playing have started raising hopes, among their fans, of a first ever foray into the continent.

Although it is still early days, Abia Warriors’ fifth position suggests that Imama Amapakabo has brought a new impetus that could take the team to the desired height.

Against a Heartland side that have not fully started showing the Emmanuel Amuneke touch, supporters of the 2024 President Federation Cup finalists would be forgiven if they go into the stadium assured that their team would collect another three points.

That is not the same optimism supporters of Ikorodu City are expected to take into their game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, when they host league leaders, Rivers United.

Ikorodu City have been in good form lately, but against a Rivers United that have not lost a game, home or away, this term, they must be in their best possible form to get anything from Sunday’s Match.

In other matches, second-placed Remo Stars are at home to struggling Lobi Stars, third-placed Enyimba will visit Bayelsa United, El Kanemi Warriors entertain Katsina United, while Akwa United hosts Kwara United in Uyo.

Kano Pillars’ attack, led by Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, will test the resilience in Plateau United, defending champions, Enugu Rangers, will host Nasarawa United, while Niger Tornadoes are at home to Shooting Stars of Ibadan, just as Sunshine Stars hosts Bendel Insurance.