The Predictor has a yen for Plateau Utd

Plateau United players © Shengolpixs

There is talk of the southeast derby between Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enugu Rangers and Federation Cup holders FC Ifeanyiubah but the real deal this matchday, for me, are Plateau United.

The table-toppers Plateau United play hosts to Nasarawa United and that is a finely-balanced contest.

Seven other matches are up as well after Rivers United set the tone for Matchday 26 with a 1-0 win over 3SC on Saturday.

Wednesday, 28 June, 2017

ABS FC v Kano Pillars

ABS will seek to bring to an end a poor record against four-time Nigerian champions. In seven previous meetings they have only managed just a draw. The Ilorin club now meet Pillars at a time they are beginning to find their mojo after a wretched run this season, and that should be concern for Henry Makinwa whose team appear to have lost their zip of early season.

Kano Pillars are on a four-game unbeaten run. Ibrahim Musa will be pleased by his team's recent form and especially those of mid-season signings Junior Lokosa and Nyima Nwangwa. I believe ABS now know the men to pay close attention to when they go head to head. ABS should bring to an end their poor run against Pillars.

My prediction: 1-0

Wikki Tourists v Lobi Stars

The Giant Elephant are beginning to look like their old self and have put themselves in a good chance to ease their relegation worries. But they will have to make it count when Lobi come calling. The problem however is that they have not managed a win over Lobi in any of their last four league meetings and that should be a source of worry for Bala Nikyu.

Lobi are capable of pulling off anything. Anthony Okpotu, Kingsley Eduwo and Sunday Akleche are the men who have been pulling the strings for Solomon Ogbeide's men so far. If Wikki must pick the full points they will need to find a way to keep the trio at bay and then breach a decent defence line led by Anthony Agbaji. It will be tightly contested game but Wikki should edge this.

My prediction: 1-0

Enugu Rangers v FC Ifeanyiubah

Many refer to this fixture as one of the oriental derbies, and they are not out of order as it should be a thrilling contest. Last five league meetings between the two teams since 2015 have seen FC Ifeanyiubah claim four wins to Rangers' one. But the champions are on a run of four matches without a loss, something I know FC Ifeanyiubah will take serious note about.

This should be a good contest to the eyes. I am sure there will be goals in this game as both teams have players who can score goals. However Rangers have not lost in their last 14 home matches and I know they will give an arm and a leg in this game to win. Read more