The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) embarks on its fourth matchday, a weekend brimming with high-stakes encounters across the nation. Rivers United, holding an unbeaten record, prepares to host a struggling Shooting Stars team in Port Harcourt. Meanwhile, a classic rivalry is reignited as Enugu Rangers travels to Kano to confront Pillars in a match steeped in history and anticipation. These two marquee matchups set the stage for a weekend of thrilling football action, with several other intriguing contests adding to the drama.
Rivers United, currently eighth on the table, aims to maintain its undefeated streak against Shooting Stars. Having secured five points from their opening three games, Rivers United boasts a solid defensive record, conceding only one goal. However, coach Finidi George will be looking for more offensive firepower from his squad. Shooting Stars, on the other hand, are languishing in 16th place, having yet to taste victory this season. New coach Nurudeen Aweroro is under immense pressure to deliver a win and kickstart their campaign. Historically, Rivers United holds the advantage in this fixture, having won four of their last eight encounters against Shooting Stars.
In Kano, a historic rivalry is renewed as Pillars hosts Enugu Rangers. Pillars has endured a difficult start to the season, collecting only a single point from three games, leaving them in a precarious 18th position. Coach Evans Ogenyi is desperate for a positive result to turn their fortunes around. Rangers, meanwhile, arrive in Kano with renewed confidence following their first victory of the season last week. Sitting in 12th place with four points, Rangers is determined to avenge last season’s double defeat at the hands of Pillars. The historical record between these two sides is remarkably balanced, with four wins each and five draws in their last 13 meetings, promising a closely contested match.
Defending champions Remo Stars, currently leading the table with seven points, travels to Jos to face a struggling Plateau United. Remo Stars has enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, while Plateau United sits at the bottom of the table with no points, making this a crucial match for both teams. Wikki Tourists, newly promoted to the top flight, aims to continue its impressive start with a visit to Nasarawa United. Both teams have performed well, but Nasarawa United holds a slight historical edge, having won five of their last eight encounters against Wikki Tourists.
Bayelsa United, currently in third place, welcomes Enyimba, positioned ninth, in a clash of contrasting styles. Bayelsa United started strongly with two consecutive wins before suffering a defeat last weekend, while Enyimba remains unbeaten but has struggled to find the back of the net. Their previous encounters have been tightly contested, predominantly ending in draws. In Lagos, Ikorodu City and Barau FC, both searching for their first wins, face off in a match where both teams are desperate to break their winless streaks.
Newly promoted Kun Khalifat tackles El Kanemi Warriors in Aba. Khalifat is yet to secure a victory, while El Kanemi has started more positively, sitting in seventh place. El Kanemi sees this as a chance to climb into the top five. Another interesting matchup sees Warri Wolves, fourth in the table, hosting 11th-placed Kwara United in Ozoro. Both teams are coming off wins and will be aiming for back-to-back victories.
Finally, Abia Warriors, struggling after two consecutive defeats, hosts a high-flying Katsina United. Katsina United is enjoying a strong start to the season with back-to-back wins, making them a formidable opponent for Abia Warriors. The historical record between these two sides suggests a close encounter, with Katsina United holding a slight edge in their past meetings. Bendel Insurance, in the only match played before Sunday, secured a late victory against Niger Tornadoes, moving them into the top half of the table and setting the tone for the exciting matchday ahead. The NPFL matchday four promises a weekend of captivating football action, with crucial points at stake for teams across the table, further shaping the landscape of the league and intensifying the competition.
