North West and South West Derbies Headline NPFL Matchday 3 Battles
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns this weekend with Matchday 3 action, and all eyes will be on two blockbuster local derbies. In Katsina, neighbours Katsina United and Kano Pillars renew their fierce North West rivalry, while in Ibadan, Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City clash in the first South West derby of the season. Beyond the derbies, other fixtures across the country promise drama, as teams continue their early-season push for momentum writes TUNDE LIADI
Matchday 3 Previews:
In Katsina, Katsina United, fresh from a thrilling 2-1 away win at Plateau United, will lock horns with North West rivals Kano Pillars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The Chanji Boys are desperate to secure their first home win after faltering to Warri Wolves on opening day, while Pillars—still reeling from a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Wikki Tourists—must bounce back quickly. With Ahmed Musa now steering the club as General Manager, fans of Sai Masu Gida will be demanding results to match the new vision.
The Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan welcome Ikorodu City in the South West derby on Sunday. Shooting Stars, now under Nurudeen Aweroro, are aiming to avenge their failure to beat the Lagos side last season. After a home slip against Bayelsa United, 3SC will be under pressure to deliver maximum points this time. But Ikorodu City, despite starting the season with two draws, will be eager to snatch bragging rights, especially as they face familiar faces in Aweroro and Tobi Adepoju, both former employees of the club.
Elsewhere, Wikki Tourists will host Abia Warriors in Bauchi. The Giant Elephants, buoyed by a home win over Plateau and a creditable draw in Kano, look primed for another positive outing. Abia Warriors, under Imama Amapakabo, will be keen to recover from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United.
Enyimba, unbeaten after two games, continue their Aba homestand against Nasarawa United. The People’s Elephant edged Niger Tornadoes last weekend and will want another home win to strengthen their start. Nasarawa United, meanwhile, boosted by their victory over Abia Warriors, must now prove they can compete away from home.
Remo Stars, back on track after beating Kun Khalifat in Aba, face an early test against high-flying Warri Wolves in Abeokuta. The Seasiders shocked many with their away win in Katsina and will look to spoil the Sky Blue Stars’ momentum.
In Enugu, Rangers and Plateau United meet in a clash of wounded giants. Rangers, bottom of the table after two losses, are desperate for a turnaround, while Plateau are also reeling from a 2-1 home loss to Katsina United. With Fidelis Ilechukwu away on national duty, his assistants must rally the Flying Antelopes for their first win.
El Kanemi Warriors welcome Rivers United to Maiduguri, hoping to build on their away draw in Lagos. Kabiru Dogo’s men will be wary of the Pride of Rivers, who beat them last season but often struggle on the road.
Debutants Kun Khalifat, after a reality check from Remo Stars, face Kwara United in Ilorin. The Harmony Boys, with just one point so far, will see this as a perfect opportunity to get their season moving.
In Kano, Barau FC will lock horns with Bendel Insurance, while Niger Tornadoes host table-topping Bayelsa United, who remain the only side with maximum points after two rounds.
NPFL Matchday 3 Fixtures
Wikki Tourists Vs Abia Warriors
Enyimba Vs Nasarawa United
Remo Stars Vs Warri Wolves
Shooting Stars Vs Ikorodu City
Rangers International FC Vs Plateau United
El Kanemi Warriors Vs Rivers United
Kwara United Vs Kun Khalifat
Barau FC Vs Bendel Insurance
Katsina United Vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes Vs Bayelsa United
