The Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, enters week 12 this Sunday, with two Oriental derbies top of the playing pack.
The Cathedral in Enugu will host the top of the bill encounter between 2016 champions, Rangers International and CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Enyimba, while other derby sees Ifeanyi Ubah host Abia Warriors in Nnewi.
With 14 titles between them, Rangers International take on neighbors and rivals, Enyimba of Aba, in a game that has all the makings of a top level derby and ‘Super Sunday’ clash in the NPFL.
Following their 1-1 draw against Sunshine Stars in Akure, the Flying Antelopes are rearing to go, but in the People’s Elephants, who are still smarting from that incredible 2-0 win over Energie FC in Cotonou in the CAF Confederation Cup, the hosts face their sternest test yet this season.
This particular encounter is one of two Oriental Derbies this Sunday, and will be spiced up by the fact that asides Gbenga Ogunbote, who is facing his former employers, no few than six players who have played for either sides will be on parade, including Ranger’s top scorer last season, Ifeanyi George.
But the Oriental Derbies are not the only local ones this weekend, with defending champions, Plateau United also taking on their Northern neighbors Niger Tornadoes.
At the August 27th stadium in Damaturu, newbies, Yobe Desert Stars have it all to do when they welcome league leaders, Kano Pillars, who are inspired by the in-form Junior Lokosa, the league’s top net buster with 10goals.
Full Fixtures
Sunday, 11 March
Lobi Stars v Kastina Utd
Wikki v Rivers Utd
FCIU v Abia Warriors
Kwara Utd v El-Kanemi
Rangers v Enyimba
Tornadoes v Plateau Utd
Go Round v Sunshine Stars
Yobe Stars v Pillars
MFM v Heartland
Monday, 12 March
Akwa Utd v Nasarawa Utd
