The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters match-day four with teams fiercely competing for crucial points to establish a strong foothold early in the season.
One standout feature this season has been the element of surprise, with numerous teams picking up points away from home, proving just how competitive the league has become.
As we head into a full slate of weekend and midweek fixtures, all eyes will be on Enyimba’s trip to Port Harcourt in a clash that promises to be the highlight of the round.
Here’s a breakdown of key matches and predictions on how they might unfold.
NPFL MD 4 Predictions
Rivers United vs Enyimba (Port-Harcourt)
Arguably the game of the weekend, this encounter pits two of the league’s powerhouses in a battle for early supremacy.
Both teams remain unbeaten this season, and neither will want to relinquish that streak when they clash in Port Harcourt.
Rivers United, fresh from a convincing win at home against Heartland, also grabbed an impressive away victory at Lobi Stars, signalling their intent to remain title contenders.
Enyimba, on the other hand, edged past Lobi Stars in their last game and look poised to carry that momentum forward.
With two strong, evenly-matched teams meeting head-to-head, this has all the makings of a closely contested affair.
Both sides possess enough firepower to find the back of the net, but given their defensive solidity, I expect the points to be shared in what should be an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Draw
Ikorodu City vs Nasarawa United (Lagos)
This is a fixture that has the potential to be thrilling, particularly as both teams are yet to secure a win this season and are desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United both suffered losses in their last outings, with Ikorodu falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to reigning champions Rangers, while Nasarawa were involved in a seven-goal thriller, losing 4-3 to El-Kanemi Warriors.
Both sides will enter this game wounded and eager to make amends. Ikorodu City will be banking on their home advantage at the Onikan Stadium, while Nasarawa will need to tighten up defensively after leaking goals in their last match.
In what should be a fiercely competitive contest, I’m tipping Ikorodu City to finally break their duck and pick up their first three points of the season.
Prediction: Ikorodu City win
Akwa United vs Sunshine Stars (Uyo)
Akwa United’s start to the season has been a mixed bag. After an impressive away draw at Lobi Stars, they faltered at home, needing a last-minute penalty to salvage a point against Abia Warriors. This game presents the perfect opportunity for the Uyo side to bounce back and find their stride.
Standing in their way are Sunshine Stars, who themselves dropped two valuable points last time out. The clash will also see Sunshine Stars coach Kennedy Boboye return to Uyo, where he famously guided Akwa United to the NPFL title in 2021.
This reunion adds a layer of intrigue to the contest, but I expect Akwa United, with their home support, to edge this encounter. It won’t be a runaway victory, but a narrow win should be on the cards for the Uyo side.
Prediction: Akwa United win
Remo Stars vs Rangers (Ikenne)
Alongside the Rivers United vs Enyimba match, this is another blockbuster tie that promises fireworks. Last season’s champions, Rangers, travel to Ikenne to face Remo Stars in what could be an early six-pointer in the race for the NPFL crown.
Rangers come into this clash off the back of a 1-0 win over Ikorodu City and will look to continue their strong start to the season. However, they face a daunting task in Remo Stars, who are notoriously difficult to beat at home. With both teams now out of the CAF Champions League, their focus is solely on domestic success.
Remo, having narrowly missed out on the title in recent seasons, will see this as a golden opportunity to assert their credentials against the reigning champions. With home advantage on their side and a point to prove, I’m predicting Remo Stars to emerge victorious, possibly by a two-goal margin.
Prediction: Remo Stars win
Shooting Stars vs Heartland (Ibadan)
This match is arguably the easiest to predict on match-day four. Shooting Stars return to the familiar surroundings of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where they will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Plateau United.
Their opponents, Heartland, have endured a dismal start to the campaign, sitting second from bottom and struggling to find the back of the net. Historically, Heartland have not travelled well, and their lack of firepower on the road only strengthens the case for a comprehensive Shooting Stars victory.
I see a comfortable win for the Ibadan outfit, with a margin of at least two or three goals.
Prediction: Shooting Stars win
