October, 21 2023.
Only one of the three Day-4 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), that were on the card for Saturday, was eventually played; and it was the duel at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, where Niger Tornadoes of Minna piped Bayelsa United of Yenagoa 1-0.
After a cagy affair and goalless first 45 minutes, there was still nothing to separate both sides, until Bala Yahuza showed a bit of quality when he scored midway through the second half, to give the Ikon Allah Boys a deserved 1-0 victory over the Prosperity Boys from Yenagoa, who are grappling with a run of unimpressive results, after Day-1.
The other two encounters, Doma United FC of Gombe versus Enyimba of Aba and the tie between Lobi Stars and Abia Warriors; were rescheduled by the League Body, the NPFL for varied reasons.
Enyimba of Aba are hosting Wydad Casablanca of Morocco at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo; in their first leg, first quarterfinal fixture of the inaugural edition of the novel African Football League (AFL).
On the other hand, the encounter in Lafia, between Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Abia Warriors of Umuahia; was put forward by 24 hours, to Sunday; on the request of the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), following a spate of killings and insecurity concerns, that rocked Oturpko town, on Friday.
Lobi Stars are hosting their home games this season, in neighbouring Lafia, as their usual heaven, the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi is still under renovation.
In Day-4 games scheduled for Sunday; Akwa United will host Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, at their new abode, the Eket Stadium.
The Promise Keepers, as Akwa United is also known, with a new Head Coach Fatai Osho are surprisedly languishing at the wrong rung of the NPFL table, with a solitary point, after three games.
But interestingly, they have been able to score five times in their first two away fixtures this term; when losing 3-5 at Bayelsa United and 2-3 in Aba, to defending champions, Enyimba FC.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Kwara United will host Enugu Rangers, at the Kwara State Sports Complex, in Ilorin; while Gombe United will have their hands full, when hosting log leaders, Bendel Insurance of Benin, at the Pantami Stadium.
Having picked the very first road win of the season, while edging 10-man Bayelsa United 2-1 in Yenagoa last weekend; Remo Stars are back in their natural habitat, in Ikenne-Remo to host Sporting FC of Lagos, in the first South-West derby of the season.
With a loss, and two victories under their belt, Remo Stars are one of the clubs on six points, while promoted Sporting FC of Lagos, will be looking to make up for the points dropped last weekend, following their goalless draw with Doma United FC.
Another titanic fixture on Sunday, pits four-time champions, Kano Pillars against Rivers United of Port Harcourt; at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofarmata, Kano.
Elsewhere, Plateau United and Sunshine Stars will clash at the New Jos Stadium; while Heartland of Owerri will be out for their first 3 points of the campaign, when hosting fellow promoted outfit, Katsina United; at the Dan Ànyiam Stadium, in Owerri; www.ckdmedia.ng reports.
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