NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights

A tricky day packed with action in the NPFL.

NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:54 - 29.10.2023

All you need to know about the action-packed matchday in the NPFL featuring Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars, Rivers United and Bayelsa United.

As the NPFL prepares for another electrifying round of matches, fans are eagerly anticipating the action on the pitch.

After getting two of three predictions right yesterday, my NPFL crystal ball predictions have some tantalizing insights for the upcoming fixtures. 

Sporting Lagos - Ready to Shine

The NPFL newbies are set to shine in their upcoming match in the Football League. The Noisy Lagosians will welcome Niger Tornadoes in a late kickoff on Sunday.

After dropping four points in the last two matches, the crystal ball predicts a return to winning ways for the Tech Boys. 

Jonathan Alukwu scored Sporting Lagos' consolation against Remo Stars. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos/X)

Known for their lovely football and noisy home support, Sporting Lagos will look to impress their home fans by scoring goals after the barren affair the last time against Doma United. 

Prediction: Sporting Lagos 2-0 Niger Tornadoes

Shooting Stars - 3SC Aiming High

Another team expected to conquer at home in the upcoming matchday is the Warriors from Ibadan, Shooting Stars.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan

Also known as 3SC, the Oluyole Warriors host Doma United in the ancient city. The home side has won all games at home, while Doma proved stubborn on their last visit to the Southwestern side of the country.

My crystal ball suggests an exciting encounter between these two, with the historical Shooting Stars to just about edge it, having won the last two at home with similar scorelines.

Sporting Lagos and Doma United shared the spoils in Lagos. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos/X)

Prediction: 3SC 2-1 Doma United 

Rivers United - In for a Battle

Former champions, Rivers United, will have their hands full when unbeaten Lobi Stars come knocking in Port Harcourt.

United, who dropped points at home the last time, will face their sternest test yet, the crystal ball foresees. The Yes Father visitors, Lobi, are the only unbeaten side left in the competition and history predicts an enthralling battle.

Rivers United

The hosts will need their A-game for this one but I think Lobi Stars are good enough for a share of the spoils in this nail-biting fixture.

Prediction: Rivers United 1-1 Lobi Stars

Bayelsa United - Slipping into a Challenge

Rivers United’s neighbours, Bayelsa United, are another host facing a major challenge this weekend as they welcome Kwara United.

Bayelsa saw red the last time they were home against Remo Stars and will hope to turn that to green when the Afonja Warriors get on the pitch.

Robert Mizo is the man Kwara United must keep eyes on.

This particular one could go down the wire but I expect the home side to take it. 

Prediction: Bayelsa United 2-1 Kwara United

Abia Warriors - Oriental Derby

Newly promoted Heartland and Abia Warriors go head-to-head in a regional derby in Umuahia. 

As derbies around the globe go, this will be feisty and end-to-end, with both teams in the hunt for a return to winning ways.

Abia Warriors have look solid at home. (Photo Credit: Abia Warriors/X)

But I will give the home side all three points here as they come into the clash in better form compared to their visitors, the newly promoted Heartland, who are still without a win this season. 

Prediction: Abia Warriors 2-0 Heartland

As fans across the country keep tabs on these games, the crystal ball predictions add an extra layer of intrigue. It’s a reminder that in football, anything can happen and that is what makes the game the beauty it is. 

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