Enugu Rangers are in for a stern test of their ability to win the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) this season when they face Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, today.
This is a game of two teams with contrasting fortunes in the 34-week-old league with Rangers leading the log on 60 points, while Sporting Lagos is battling to avoid the drop on 14, just two points above the drop zone.
Enugu Rangers under Fidelis Ilechukwu this season have been marching steadily to their mission even against the toughest of oppositions, but against a Sporting Lagos clinging on any available straw for survival, they are in for a hard battle.
Looking forward to bouncing back with a win after their 4-1 bashing by Rivers United in week 33, Sporting Lagos’ Coach, Abdullahi Biffo, said he wants to show their fans that the Port Harcourt result did not portray his team’s real ability on the pitch.
“We are not happy with what happened in Port Harcourt, but we have learnt from our mistakes and Sunday will be different,” he said.
The match of the day will hold in Aba where second-placed Enyimba will host Rivers United, who despite their eighth position on the log, parade some of the best crop of players in the league.
Rivers United are on 47 points and an away win in Aba will push them closer to a return to the continent next season via the CAF Confederation Cup. Enyimba, on the other hand, want to consolidate on their second position, which will guarantee them at least a Champions League slot.
Victory will keep them in touch with leaders, Enugu Rangers, with five games to go. The Peoples Elephant have an outstanding case at the appeals tribunal, which, if they win, will further add to their tally in the hunt to retain the NPFL title.
Bottom club, Gombe United, are at home to the resurgent Sunshine Stars, who are battling for survival under their new manager, Kennedy Boboye.
Gombe United look doomed for relegation this season and need a miracle to survive the drop with six matches to go.
With 25 points from 33 points, the highest the Gombe team can achieve is 40 points, which is possible if they win all their remaining five games. Even at that, their survival still depends on the other teams above them losing all their games.
That is a scenario Sunshine Stars’ defensive midfielder, Osimaga Duke, said is impossible.
Speaking ahead of their journey to the Pantami Stadium for today’s game, Duke said his team will beat Gombe United to ensure their own survival.
“We will come all out in our match against Gombe United because we need the points. We need to get the points because if we don’t win the match, we are going down fully.
“The management, players, backroom staff and everybody should bring out their best in this match against Gombe United. It is very important for us.”
All the matches of the NPFL will be broadcast live on Startimes’ Beta Sports channel from 4.00 p.m.
In other matches, Niger Tornadoes will host Kwara United, Bayelsa United are up against Plateau United, Shooting Stars will entertain Abia Warriors in Ibadan, while it is Akwa United versus Heartland ay the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
