Pillars, Lobi Stars to test Rivers, Plateau United title credentials

Title credentials of table-topping Rivers United and Plateau United will face stern tests Wednesday afternoon as they face Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars respectively in week 16 of the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Rivers United who face Kano Pillars at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna must avoid defeat if they are to stay ahead of Plateau United who are waiting for any slip from them.

• NIGERIA DAILY: Why Epilepsy Is A ‘Disgrace’ To Society
• Russia-Ukraine conflict: CPPE lists implications for Nigeria’s economy

If they lose to Pillars and Plateau United maintain their unbeaten run at Lobi Stars, then the top of the table will automatically change.

However, if both Rivers United and Plateau United suffer losses or draw on the road, the top of the table will remain unchanged even if Remo Stars pick the maximum points at Enyimba.

Rivers United who are topping the table with 32 points are closely followed by Plateau United on 32 points, Remo Stars are third with 26 points while Enugu Rangers are fourth on superior goal difference since they have the same 24 points with Kwara United.

Meanwhile, as the leaders fight to maintain their positions at the top of the table, clubs that suffered losses on the road in week 15 will be aiming to bounce back with home victories.

In Abuja, Tornadoes 0-1 losers at Kwara United host MFM and Nasarawa United after a 1-2 loss at Rivers United will also hope to redeem themselves when they square up with Kwara United in Lafia.

At the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa United who were trounced 3-0 in Jos will entertain Wikki Tourists who edged Gombe United 1-0 in the north-east derby in Bauchi while strugglers Katsina United host Dakkada who were 2-1 winners over Lobi Stars in Uyo.

Meanwhile, Gombe United will face Abia Warriors at the Pantami stadium without their fans. It will be recalled that after their fans were alleged to have attacked Plateau United, LMC fined Gombe United N2.5m and ordered them to play their next home match behind closed doors.

 Heartland will aim to continue with their revival as they visit Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode while fourth-placed Rangers travel to Ibadan to battle 3SC under floodlights.