PREVIEW OF NIGERIA PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE MATCHES..........WRITTEN BY ABAYOMI ADEMETAN

The top tier of Naija football kickoff this weekend,with hostilities across ten centres.Fans of the game can't wait for the games to begin as they have been debating on the side to beat in the upcoming campaign.

As usual,derbies will herald the commencement of another nervy season.

Abayomi Ademetan takes a look at the fierce battles in the football jungle.

In Enugu,it will be an oriental war with  Enugu Rangers entertaining Enyimba International FC.Feelers from a reliable source makes us to understand that it will be a sell-out crowd at the historical ground,Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.Expected to light-up the game are Razak Adegbite, Amanfor Chimezie, Sibi Gwar, Nnamdi Anyasodo and Andrew Abologu.


Fans in Offa,Ogbomosho,Ilaro,Ede,Ibadan,Ilorin,Ile Ife and environs are sure to throng Ilorin Township Stadium to witness the battle of foes.ABS willl be squaring up against Kwara United.Both sides are bitter rivals and the stakes are high for an entertaining battle in the jungle.

The colourful Uyo fans are ready to show their hospitable character.Their darling team,Akwa United will be welcoming former league champions,Dolphins FC at the Uyo Township Stadium.With the sale of Solomon Jabadson and Femi Thomas to rival club,can the home side cope with the armoury of the Port Harcourt based side?Dolphins on it part will be missing the creativity of Abduljaleel Ajagun,who made the U-21 team to the 2013 AYC.

Oluyole Warriors as they are called,are at home to the Savannah Boys,at the slaughter ground for enemies,Lekan Salami Stadium.Gombe United scored first in the same fixture last season at the fortress of Shooting Stars but lost 2-1.I hope it is the reverse case this around.Both sides lost once in the tune-up games they engaged in.Gbolahan Salami, Mutiu Adegoke,Dele Ajiboye,Sola Adeboye and Philip Asuquo are set to take their place in the starting XI.The Northern side will be in Ibadan to get a positive result.Can they cause an upset?

2012 league 2nd runners-up,Lobi Stars are on the road to returning Bayelsa United.Blessing Okardi should lead the charge for the home team,while Anthony Okpotu will cause the hosts lots of trouble at the back.

Fed Cup champions Heartland boasting of seasoned campaigners like Ikechukwu Ibenegbu aka Mosquito,David Tyavkase and Daniel Akpeyi will be on redemption mission.They were poor in the league last season.They are at home to newcomers,Nembe City of Bayelsa.This encounter is expected to serve as a learning point for the young lads.

At the refurbished Akure Township Arena,depleted Sunshine Stars welcomes Kaduna United.It is a clash of wounded lions,considering the fact that both sides were average last season.

League Kings,Kano Pillars must be fancying their chances of getting a good result in Bauchi against neighbours,Wikki Tourists.Still smarting from qualifying to the next stage of the money spinning CAF Champions league,Theo Afelokhai,Bello Kofarmata,Mohammed Gambo,Umar Zango, Nosiru Ali and Papa Idris should spearhead the charge on Sunday.On their part,Wikki likes the underdog tag and should hopefully unleash the venon on Pillars.

Lafia awaits the clash between Nasarawa United and Elkanemi Warriors.The game could go either way,but I fancy the home outfit to nick this one.

Despite selling some of their best legs,Warri Wolves are still formidable as ever.They are on the road at the slay ground,Sharks Stadium against Sharks FC.Players to watch are Gomo Onduku,Gideon Gambo,Okiemute Odah and Chimezie Mba.