Group B Preview: Leaders Abia Warriors, Rivers United face tricky ties

Abia Warriors currently lead Group B on goal difference.

NPFL Group B Preview: Leaders Abia Warriors, Rivers United face tricky ties

Izuchukwu Akawor 10:13 - 21.01.2023

A look at the numbers that matter ahead of a tricky week three matches, but can leaders Ochendo Babes maintain their superb start to the season?

The Nigeria Premier Football League enters week three this weekend with some superb clashes set to entertain fans across the country.

There are a number of early top-of-the-table clashes across both groups in the abridged season.

But the focus here is Group B, where Abia side, Abia Warriors, are the pace setters after two rounds of matches.

Abia Warriors vs Lobi Stars

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The Ochendo Babes go into week three of the NPFL as the team to beat in the group after taking maximum points in their opening two matches.

Warriors, who have scored five goals and conceded just one, welcome Benue side, Lobi Stars, to their Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

Erasmus Onuh's side will have their blistering start to the new season tested once again, albiet by a side that has taken just a point from a possible six so far.

Key stats

  • This game is between first (Warriors) and fifth (Lobi) in Group B. The host have a 100% record this season and are also unbeaten in the last four matches against their visitors, with three wins and a draw.
  • The last meeting between the two saw the Ochendo Babes thrash the Pride of Benue 3-0 at the same venue for Sunday's clash.
Abia Warriors were too good for Rangers.

Onuh and his boys will be looking to continue that trend by extending that run to five matches and given their form, i don't see Lobi Stars stopping them.

Prediction: ABW 2-1 LOB

Rivers United vs Niger Tornadoes

Defending champions Rivers United will have their hands full when they welcome joint-leaders Niger Tornadoes to Port Harcourt.

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Both teams have had a good start to the season, United have taken four points from their opening two matches while the Miners from Niger State have a 100% start following two wins in two.

The Pride of Rivers will not have an easy ride at home against their visitors, who are in Port Harcourt to mine points.

Rivers United have won four of the last four matches vs Niger Tornadoes in Port Harcourt.

Key Stats

Despite the form of Tornadoes heading into the interesting encounter, Rivers United will be full of confidence thanks to their head-to-head record.

  • The Pride of Rivers are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Tornadoes, with three wins and two draws.
Stanley Eguma's Pride of Rivers are two points behind their visitors.
  • But at home, Tornadoes will have to raise their game a bit having lost in each of their last four visits to Port Harcourt.
  • Both sides will step to the pitch with just two points separating the two sides as the race for the top six continues.

Prediction: RIV 2-1 NIG

The Current Table

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Full Fixtures in Group B

Take a look at the full fixtures, which other game do you think can provide great entertainment value? 

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