NNL MATCH DAY 17 PREVIEW
The Matchday 16 Midweek matches were interesting in all ramifications with 29 goals in 18 matches, though with only one away win.
However, as the league gradually gets to an end, teams will endeavour to continue to cover their home front on Matchday 17.
CONFERENCE A
Coal City vs Edel
Coal City is hosting their next-door neighbor Edel FC. The visitors would be all out to grab the points to improve their chances of going into the Super 8 play-off. But, the home team will also be out to consolidate their position. But, the end will justify the means.
Abia Comets vs Stormers
An interesting encounter will play out at the Umuahia Township Stadium this weekend. Abia Comets 11 matches of unbeaten runs started against the Stormers in Abeokuta in Week 6. Since then, the Umuahia side has remained unbeaten to date. Stomers will try to put a stop to that record, but it will be very difficult for them as Coach Kelvin Ejeh and his boys are going all out to grab the maximum points.
Madiba vs 1472
Madiba will extend its leadership in Group A after this encounter. The guests are not in the right frame of mind if what happened during the midweek is anything to go by. Though the match is a local derby one, the Surulere Boys will get more than they bargained for.
Beyond Limit Vs Smart City
This is a match to watch. It will be an end-to-end encounter involving two ball-playing teams. Beyond Limit who are on the verge of getting a play-off slot will be all out to outsmart the Lagos Boys who can pull a surprise any time, any day.
Ekiti Utd vs Dakkada
Ekiti Utd may not have an easy run over Dakkada FC in Ado Ekiti this weekend. The visitors who are experienced enough, having played in the Premiership last season, will be a hard nut for their host to crack. But, in the end, the home team will smile.
CONFERENCE B
FC One Rocket vs Gateway
Gateway takes their unbeaten runs to Uyo. Against FC One Rocket, there is every possibility that the record may be smashed this weekend.
Ikorodu City vs Tradesafe
Ikorodu City will not spare their visitors at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium this weekend, as their dream of playing in the Super Eight lies much in this match. The visitors will not go down without a fight, but the home team will smile at last.
Giant Brillars vs Warri Wolves
The Seasiders are taking a short trip to Enugu to meet the Giant Brillar boys. The outcome of the match may not have any impact on the group standing, but it would increase the fortunes of both sides.
Crown vs Solution
Can Solution from Soludo’s home state find a solution to their problems in Ibadan, that is the million naira question that will be answered at the end of the ninety minutes at the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Ijebu Utd vs Osun Utd
Coach Festus Allen’s experience will come into play this weekend in his new job, as his team Ijebu Utd confronts high-riding Osun United. The Ataoja Boys are not ready to drop their guards unless the unexpected happens in Ijebu Ode. A positive result will be a moral booster for Coach Allen in his new job.
CONFERENCE C
ABS vs EFCC
This is a match for two teams that are in the drop zone. Too bad for both teams, as they once played in the Premiership. With few matches to the end of their regular season, both teams can pull a surprise against each other.
NAF vs Mighty Jets
NAF is one of the FCT teams that are relegation-bound unless the unexpected happens. The Air Force boys have a lot to play for, but the Jet team is on familiar terrain in Abuja, and many will not be surprised if the away team run away with a positive result.
Nasarawa Utd vs Elkanemi Warriors
This is the star match of the group. The two top contenders and the result of the match may likely decide who tops the group. The Solid Miners will want to remain solid at home, while the visitors will be a hard nut to crack. Lafia City Stadium is the best place to be this weekend.
Wikki Tourists vs Yobe Stars
The home team’s verge of going for the play-off lies very much in this match. Wikki will be all out to pick the maximum point while waiting for the results of others.
CONFERENCE D
Mailantariki vs City
A local derby by every standard. Both teams play their matches at the Area 3 playing pitch in Abuja, and more agonizing is that both of them are in the drop zone. So, a positive result for any of the sides may improve their fortune at the end of the day.
Jigawa Golden Stars vs Sporting Supreme
Sporting Supreme has a herculean task to accomplish against the Jigawa Golden Stars.
The home team are in the red zone, and they will want to escape the drop zone, and this is a match they will want to use in proving that. However, the Sporting Boys from Abuja are respectful of nobody. and I doubt if Jigawa will survive them.
Adamawa Utd vs Sokoto Utd
Sokoto United is expected to solidify their play-off space this weekend in Gombe. Any slip may see them delaying their celebration till the last day. Adamawa United will want to use the match to consolidate their position in the league.
