NPFL Week 3 Preview: Top 5 fixtures — Bold predictions and h2h

NPFL Week 3 promises fireworks! Check out the top 5 fixtures, head-to-head stats, and bold predictions as Nigeria’s Premier Football League heats up.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Week 3 promises an exciting round of fixtures packed with intense rivalries and crucial battles for points.

Here’s a preview of the top five matches, including the OgaNla Derby, head-to-head (H2H) stats and bold predictions as Nigeria’s Premier Football League heats up.

1. Katsina United vs Kano Pillars

Super Eagles legend Ahmed Musa and his Kano Pillars team are in Dutse for a regional rivalry clash with Katsina United.

While the home side is chasing a second win of the season, Musa’s Pillars have lost one and drawn one of their first two matches.

The Northwest Derby will deliver huge rivalry and passionate fans, with points and bragging rights at stake.

H2H: It’s been an interesting last six matches between Katsina and Pillars, with three wins a piece in that run. Fierce derby, usually cagey. Both teams cancel each other out more often than not.

Prediction: United win (1–0)

• Recent head-to-head suggests the home side always wins.

2. Enugu Rangers vs Plateau United

Dethroned champions Enugu Rangers welcome Tin Boys Plateau United and their new coach Shola Adegun to the Cathedral.

These two are without a win this season and currently sit 19th and 20th respectively on the NPFL table, with the home side hoping it would be service as usual in front on their home fans.

This particular fixture, by virtue of their status, features two title contenders, who will look to be tactical and competitive, in a game that could set the tone for the season.

H2H: Rangers have only won one of the last six matches between them, compared to four for United. Rangers at home are strong, and they’ll want to stamp authority early.

Prediction: Rangers win (2–1)

• Plateau are tricky, but Rangers edge it.

3. El Kanemi Warriors vs Rivers United

Bouyed by their recent outings, El-Kanemi Warriors and Rivers United with four points in their first two matches, this is a cracker.

Rivers are one of the strongest traveling sides; But El Kanemi will be tough at home for Finidi George and his Pride of Rivers. Big test for both.

H2H: This is another cagey affair, low scoring, but United have the upper hand with two wins in the last five meetings, including in this particular fixture last season.

Prediction: Rivers win (0–1)

• Rivers are good travellers and have more firepower. El Kanemi will fight, but Rivers can grind the result.

4. Enyimba vs Nasarawa United

Kanu Nwankwo’s Enyimba always draw attention at home; Nasarawa will want to spoil the party.

However, the People’s Elephant are up and running this season in the NPFL after that narrow win against Niger Tornadoes the last time at the same venue.

H2H: This fixture has the potential to excite and produce goals, with three wins for Enyimba and two for United in the last six meetings. But the Elephants are unbeaten at home against the Solid Miners in the last six.

Prediction: Enyimba win (2–0)

• Aba fortress is usually decisive. Nasarawa might struggle against Enyimba’s midfield control.

5. Shooting Stars vs Ikorodu City

This Southwest clash makes the cut not just for being a derby but for also the fact the home side Shooting Stars poached some personnel from their visitors ahead of the new season.

The traditional powerhouse (3SC) against former baby of the league looking to make a statement, in a game this writer has fondly tagged 'The OgaNla Derby'.

H2H: Just two matches between these two teams, with the visitors unbeaten after taking four points from a possible six last season.

Prediction: Shooting Stars win (1–0)

• Ikorodu are spirited, but 3SC’s experience and home crowd should be enough to push them through this time.