11 February 2011
Nigeria Premier League title-chasing pair of Dolphin and Warri Wolves could slip this weekend away at Zamfara United and Gombe United.
Dolphin have opened a four-point lead at the top of the NPL table, but this could be cut back if they fail to win at relegation-threatened Zamfara on Sunday and second-placed Sunshine Stars make the most of home advantage and beat a resurgent Ocean Boys.
The league leaders will be boosted by the return of dependable central defender and skipper Emmah Godwin, who sat out the crucial 1-0 home win over closest rivals Sunshine Stars last week in Port Harcourt.
The records show that Dolphin are yet to win a point at Zamfara. Last season, they lost 3-2 to Zamfara, but with the Gusau side now forced to play their home games in Kano, they are no longer invincible at home.
Dolphin will be encouraged by a good away record that has seen them win away at Plateau United and Crown.
Experienced former Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes coach Zakary Baraje will take over from Stanley Eguma, who has joined the countrys Olympic team.
Warri Wolves are third in the standings with 25 points after 14 matches, but they face a daunting task at Gombe United, while fourth-placed Bukola Babes are widely tipped to turn back Lobi Stars at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
Lobi beat bottom team JUTH in Jalingo Thursday in a rescheduled game with goals from defender Ismaila Sumaila and Moss Uvodh.
Wolves will be missing NPL leading scorer Ekigho Ehiosun with seven goals and first-choice goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, who are slated to fly out with the countrys B team for an invitational tournament in the United States of America this weekend.
However, former Olympic international Ambrose Vanzekin has so far proved a very capable cover for Agbim.
It will be fifth against sixth when Sharks welcome Kaduna United to the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Kaduna will be without goalkeeper Chinedu Agwu, who has been suspended for a game after he was caught on video for violent conduct.
Agwus place is likely to be taken by youngster Richard Ocheayi, who posted a five-star performance against 3SC in Abeokuta recently.
Two matches, Enyimba against Heartland and Kano Pillars versus Tornadoes, have been shifted as Enyimba and Pillars are engaged in CAF Champions League games this weekend.
Niger Tornadoes new coach Justin Tenger will therefore have to wait a few more days for his first match in charge.
Tenger, who is rejoining the Minna outfit, has an onerous task to ensure 15th-placed Tornadoes are not sucked into the relegation dog fight this season.
However, his previous club, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, have threatened to drag him to court for a breach of contract.
We will meet Tenger in court because he still has a contract with my club, said Wikki chairman, Patrick Pascal.
Wikki are eyeing an instant return to the top flight after they were relegated last season. They are second on the Pro League A table, two points behind leaders Spotlite of Katsina.
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