With four teams on continental duties this weekend, the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, enters week 13 with five matches across the country this Sunday.
League leaders, Lobi Stars would be looking to further cement their position at the top of the standings when they travel to Lafia to tackle Nasarawa United.
But the Lafia City stadium, venue of this Middle Belt derby, hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Pride of Benue, however, having lost on their last four visits there.
For the hosts, it’s an opportunity to improve their league position, moving away for what seems a possible relegation dogfight, as they currently lie15th, but level on points with four other teams beneath them.
The Solid Miners will look at their impressive home record against the side managed by Solomon Ogbeide for all the hope and confidence they need going into this encounter.
Elsewhere in the league, with second place Kano Pillars not in action until Monday, promoted outfit, Yobe Desert Stars, could leapfrog them into second with a win in Akure, where they face manager-less Sunshine Stars.
Yobe Stars are currently fourth on the table, just a point behind four-time NPFL winners, Pillars, who they defeated 2-0 last weekend, and third place Akwa United, who have an important engagement in CAF’s second tier club competition, the Confederation Cup.
In Maiduguri, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, still without a point on the road this season, have it all to do as they face third from bottom team, El-Kanemi Warriors and their 38 games unbeaten home record.
At the Umuahia Township stadium, it’s Abia Warriors who welcome Wikki Tourists, while Katsina United are also at home to Heartland of Owerri in Katsina.
Full Fixtures
Sunday, 18 March
Kastina Utd v Heartland
Nasarawa Utd v Lobi Stars
Abia Warriors v Wikki Tourist
El-Kanemi v Ifeanyi Ubah
Sunshine Stars v Yobe Stars
Monday, 19 March
Kano Pillars v Niger Tornadoes
