The headline fixture of matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League is scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena as Ikorodu City welcomes Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan in another installment of the Southwest Derby.

After a difficult past few weeks, Shooting Stars ended their winless run with a comfortable 3-1 win over Ranchers Bees on Friday last week at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The victory over the Kaduna-based side eased tension among the coaching staff, led by former Super Eagles gaffer Salisu Yusuf, and the club’s management after fans voiced displeasure at the team’s poor run of results.

For Ikorodu City, the Oga Boys have had a decent start to the season, even though their away form has been worrying, with two points on the road so far.

However, the Oga Boys have dropped points once at home this season and have won the remaining three, keeping a clean sheet twice in those victories.

Rivers United away at Bendel Insurance is another fixture to keep an eye on as the Pride of Rivers looks to extend their momentary stay on the log with more points, with Enugu Rangers busy on the continent.

Enyimba and Kano Pillars’ away form this season has been disastrous. Neither side has won on the road so far and has tricky fixtures as they look to change the terrible statistics this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Sporting Lagos v Enugu Rangers has been postponed as the Flying Antelopes have a second leg CAF Champions League final qualification round fixture away at MC Alger on Friday.

Here’s our preview of the key battles to anticipate this weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Ikorodu City v Shooting Stars

Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena

Kick-off: 4 p.m

These two sides are not unfamiliar with each other, having met six times previously. The Oga Boys have won twice; Shooting Stars once, with points shared in matches in the other three.

Ikorodu City are targeting a win after losing to Niger Tornadoes last week, while the visitors are looking to build on last week’s win over Ranchers Bees.

However, the Oluyole Warriors have lost their last six matches on the road in all competitions this season, while Ikorodu City have won five of their last six home matches in regular time.

Aside from bragging rights, both sides need to win, either to bounce back from defeat or to build on what might become a winning streak.

Bendel Insurance v Rivers United

Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Kick-off: 4 p.m

This fixture is between a side that has won all its home matches this season and the other that is yet to lose away from home.

Bendel Insurance have been ruthless at home, winning all four of their matches, while Rivers United are on a five-game unbeaten streak away from home in all competitions this season.

Rivers United are undefeated away at Bendel Insurance in their last two visits and will look to keep that away unbeaten run or target a win as they look to extend their lead in the table momentarily.

For Bendel Insurance, the home side’s winning streak faces its first major test, and a win will further boost the confidence of Kennedy Boboye’s men.

Nasarawa United v Enyimba

Venue: Lafia City Stadium

Kick-off: 4 p.m

Enyimba‘s attempt to build on the back-to-back wins over Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars after a poor start to the season has been hit by a loss to Katsina United and a goalless draw against Warri Wolves last week.

The Aba Elephants’ away trips have not been good, and they found themselves in a territory where they last won in 2023.

Nasarawa United have maintained a good home form with three wins and a draw, and the hosts will target another victory to extend Enyimba’s poor run away from home, which will see the nine-time champions remain in the drop zone.

However, Emmanuel Deutsch’s side will back on their 2023 win over the hosts as they hope to get their first away win of the season.

Other NPFL fixtures

Abia Warriors v Niger Tornadoes
Barau FC v Kwara United
Kun Khalifa v Inter Lagos
Warri Wolves v Kano Pillars
Katsina United v Plateau United
Ranchers Bees v Doma United