Ibom derby headlines NPFL match day 10 fixtures

One of the beautiful things you notice when you begin descent into the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo is the Qua Iboe River, from which the name Akwa Ibom was ostensibly derived. It sets the tone for what is truly a beautiful city, which is the home of beautiful people and two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs.

Both sides; Akwa United and Dakkada FC will square up for the first time in a top flight game in Nigeria, today. The two teams have contrasting fortunes, which has been likened to exchange of destinies in discussions around the city.

Dakkada have surprised many this season as they have “risen up” (as the word Dakkada means in Ibibio) to the challenges they have faced in their debut season among Nigeria’s elite clubs. Currently placed second on the log well above their more illustrious local rivals, Akwa United that has typically struggled at the start of the season and are just hovering above the drop zone after nine match days.

The Nest of Champions in Uyo will be the centre of attraction as brothers will shelve previous and current ties to do battle for 90 minutes.

Both teams have a couple of players in common. Wingers Aniekeme Okon Asuquo and Wisdom Fernando joined Akwa United from Dakkada, while midfielder Aniekan Ekpe and defender Ibukun Harrison, who were part of the Akwa United side that won the Federation Cup in 2015 are mainstays of the current Dakkada side.

It will also be a battle between coaches Kennedy Boboye and Caleb Esu.

While Dakkada will be hoping to continue their incredible start to the season, Plateau United who are the only side placed above them have a somewhat easy task on paper against Warri Wolves in Jos.

Abdu Maikaba’s men have been playing true to a trademark second season of the Kano-born coach and will be relying on forward players Ibrahim Mustapha, Bernard Ovoke and Nenrot Silas to down Evans Ogenyi’s men.

Lobi Stars are unbeaten in seven matches and will look to extend that sequence when Katsina United come visiting in Makurdi today. Striker Sikiru Alimi should return for the game while Samad Kadiri, Nzube Anaezemba and Chinedu Udeagha are ever ready to be deployed by Gbenga Ogunbote against any opposition.

A tricky tie awaits Rivers United in Port Harcourt when their bogey side, Sunshine Stars come calling at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Rivers United are yet to defeat Sunshine Stars since they metamorphosed from Dolphins four years ago. Jonathan Zikiye who scored the winner the last time any Port Harcourt side defeated Sunshine Stars will be lining out for the opposition today.

Wikki Tourists will face Abia Warriors at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe in a battle of two dogged sides, while Adamawa United are guests of MFM FC at the Agege Township Stadium, Tony Bolus side has been enjoying a decent start to the season.

Kwara United have not found life in the top flight rosy since completing their take-over of Delta Force and they have another crunch task when they host former champions Rangers in Ilorin. Although they share the relegation zone with the Flying Antelopes, today’s game remains as tough as they come for Abdullahi Biffo and his wards.

The only remaining team in the division yet to win a game this term; Nasarawa United will go again today with Heartland FC their opponents. The Solid Miners have a meagre two points from eight matches and will come up against Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side, who are gradually finding their feet under the former MFM coach.

2014 champions, Kano Pillars are yet to lose a game since the return of the talismanic Rabiu Ali and they will welcome FC Ifeanyiubah to the Sani Abacha Stadium. Chijioke Alaekwe, who had a cult hero status in Nnewi during his four-year spell at FC Ifeanyiubah, could be the weapon that Pillars coach Ibrahim Musa will unleash on his former club.