As Nasarawa, Plateau United face-off in Bauchi
Lobi Stars and fellow strugglers, Katsina United are set to clash this afternoon at the Aper Aku stadium Makurdi in a must win 2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week 27 fixture.
Only a point is separating both sides as Lobi Stars currently occupy the 17th position with 29 points while their guests are in 15th place with 30 points.
The two sides have made marginal improvements in their performances since the restart of the second stanza but are yet to pick a point on the road.
While Lobi Stars are yet to suffer home defeat in the second round, Katsina United were beaten 0-1 by Rivers United at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium.
Interestingly, both teams recorded slim victories in their last matches as Lobi Stars piped neighbours Nasarawa United 2-1 in Makurdi while Katsina subdued Akwa United 1-0 in Katsina.
It, therefore, promises a tough fixture as both teams have their eyes firmly fixed on the maximum points.
Victory for Lobi Stars will take them away from the drop zone on 32 points but Katsina United will sink deeper, if they can’t avoid defeat.
Elsewhere, Nasarawa United who are also under threat of relegation will host Plateau United in a mouth-watering North-central derby in Bauchi.
Based on the request of Nasarawa United, the LMC approved that the match be played at the Tafawa Balewa stadium instead of Jos where Nasarawa United have been playing their home matches.
The odds favour Plateau United who are giving Rivers United a hot chase for the title but Nasarawa United who are in dire need of victory will give them a run for their money.
Meanwhile, title holders Akwa United will host Enyimba in Uyo in what is the biggest fixture of week 27, Sunshine Stars will travel to Gombe to battle Gombe United, Kano Pillars welcome Kwara United in Abuja while Wikki Tourists entertain struggling Dakkada FC in Kaduna.