The second matchday of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) promises a weekend of high-stakes encounters as several title contenders aim to rectify their shaky starts. The opening round of fixtures yielded a paltry nine goals across ten matches, highlighting the dominance of defensive strategies. This weekend, however, the anticipation is high for a more dynamic and attacking display. Champions Remo Stars, alongside traditional powerhouses Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, and Rivers United, all find themselves seeking their first victories of the season after disappointing initial performances.
Remo Stars embark on an away trip to face newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC in Aba, but they will be without their key striker, Victor Mbaoma. Mbaoma, who found the net in Remo Stars’ 1-1 draw with Rivers United before succumbing to a rib injury, has been ruled out as a precautionary measure. This absence is particularly significant given Remo Stars’ upcoming commitments in the CAF Champions League. The responsibility of leading the attack now falls on Malian striker Adama Goita. Kun Khalifat, having held Rangers to a goalless draw in their debut NPFL match, are expected to adopt a similarly defensive approach against the reigning champions.
Ikorodu City are set to host their first home game of the season against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Having fielded nine debutants in their opening match against Kwara United, Ikorodu City delivered an impressive defensive performance in a 0-0 draw. They will be looking to translate their strong home form from last season into goals this time around. El-Kanemi Warriors, who began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance, will be without midfielder Zayyad Musa, who is serving a suspension following a red card in their previous match.
The pressure is mounting on several established clubs who stumbled in their opening fixtures. Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, and Rivers United all play at home this weekend and desperately need three points to kickstart their respective campaigns. Enyimba host Niger Tornadoes in Aba, a repeat of last season’s 1-1 draw. Kano Pillars face a northern derby against Wikki Tourists, hoping to rebound from their narrow defeat to Abia Warriors. The four-time champions will be relying on the experience of players like Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali to secure a victory.
Plateau United welcome Katsina United to Jos, with new head coach Shola Adegun eager to secure his first win since joining from Sporting Lagos. Plateau United have struggled at home in recent years and will need to reverse that trend. Their task is made harder by a disappointing opening day loss to newly promoted Warri Wolves. Meanwhile, Rivers United will be aiming to extend their impressive record against Kwara United, having only lost twice in their last thirteen encounters. Securing a home win in Port Harcourt is crucial for Rivers United to build momentum.
Elsewhere in the league, Warri Wolves, buoyed by their surprising away win against Katsina United, host Rangers. Bayelsa United welcome Barau FC to Yenagoa, a fixture that sees Barau FC manager Ladan Bosso return to familiar ground after leaving Bayelsa United last season. Nasarawa United will be looking to recover from their midweek defeat to Kwara United as they face Abia Warriors in Lafia on Sunday.
Several key players will be absent this weekend due to suspensions. Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi, El-Kanemi’s Zayyad Musa, and Enyimba striker Mujeeb Odufeso all received straight red cards in the opening round of fixtures and will serve three-match bans. The second matchday of the NPFL culminates on Monday with the clash between Kun Khalifat and Remo Stars in Aba, a match that presents a significant challenge for both the reigning champions and the league debutants. This encounter is expected to provide further insights into the form and potential of both teams early in the season.
