NPFL : Pillars host Tornadoes as continental duty depletes Matchday 2 encounters

The Nigeria Premier Football League’s second round kicks off with a reduced six-match programme this weekend, after three of last season’s leading sides were pulled into continental duty.

Champions Rangers International, along with Rivers United and Shooting Stars, sit out domestic action this round. Their absence has forced the postponement of Warri Wolves vs Rangers International, Katsina United vs Rivers United, and Enyimba vs Shooting Stars, with new dates to be confirmed by the league. The Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City has also been shifted, to Wednesday, September 30, because the Mobolaji Johnson Arena is unavailable.

Inter Lagos host fellow newcomers Doma United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday, in the pair’s first NPFL meeting. Doma United opened with a 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos; Inter Lagos lost 2-1 to Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Both sides will be looking for early signs of how quickly they’ve adjusted to top-flight football.

Ranchers Bees host Abia Warriors at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Sunday — their first serious home test since promotion. Abia Warriors, with far more top-flight experience, will fancy their chances of an away win.

Kun Khalifat host Barau FC in Owerri, still seeking their first league win over their rivals after losing the last two meetings.

Nasarawa United host Bendel Insurance in Lafia. Insurance have gone five league meetings without beating their hosts, with two draws and three defeats.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s Plateau United host Kwara United at the New Jos Stadium, looking to bounce back from a 2-0 opening defeat away to Rivers United. Kwara United will arrive with confidence after fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars, Alex Jerry scoring both goals.

Pillars Face Familiar Tornadoes Trouble

Kano Pillars host Niger Tornadoes at the Sani Abacha Stadium, still chasing a first win of the season after their own 2-2 draw with Kwara United. History favours the visitors: Pillars have won just once in their last seven meetings with Tornadoes, who arrive off the back of a 2-1 win over Enyimba.

Rangers International face Sobemap FC of Benin Republic in the CAF Champions League in Abeokuta. Rivers United travel to Cote d’Ivoire  to face San Pedro in the same competition. Shooting Stars return to continental football after 27 years, facing Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup, also in Abeokuta.

NPFL — Matchday 2 Fixtures

Saturday, September 5

Inter Lagos vs Doma United

Sunday, September 6

Ranchers vs Abia Warriors

Khalifat FC vs Barau FC

Nasarawa vs Bendel Insurance

Plateau  vs Kwara United

Kano Pillars vs Tornadoes

Postponed

Warri Wolves vs Rangers

Katsina United vs Rivers Utd

Enyimba vs Shooting Stars

Wednesday, September 30

Sporting Lagos vs Ikorodu