Action in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Championship Play-Off as MatchDay 2 of the title-deciding competition at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Lagos will continue today with the clash between former champions Lobi Stars and Enyimba heralding other mouth-watering fixtures.
It promises to be a grueling encounter in the first match of the day as both Lobi Stars and Enyimba who finished as runners-up in Group A and B failed to win their opening matches of the Play-Off.
While Remo Stars came back twice to force Enyimba to a 2-2 draw, Lobi Stars were held to a goalless draw by unbeaten Bendel Insurance in the final match of the day.
Lobi Stars defender, Monday Akile, is however, confident of victory over the more illustrious Enyimba who have won the league title for a record eight times.
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He told Daily Trust that Lobi Stars are not going to give too much respect to their opponents who will be in desperate need of victory.
The Olympic Eagles defender said “Every club that has reached this stage of the competition deserves respect so we have mutual respect for one another.
“Our match against Enyimba is going to be very tough but we are sure of victory. We are not happy that we opened the competition with a draw so Enyimba should expect a tough match.”
Akile also said that to avoid putting too much pressure on themselves, Lobi Stars are taking one match at a time.
In other MatchDay 2 fixtures scheduled for today, Group B winners and defending champions Rivers United will take on Remo Stars who finished third in Group A.
Both clubs recorded contrasting fortunes on MatchDay One as Rivers United laboured to a 1-0 win over hard-fighting Sunshine Stars in the second match of the day but Remo Stars only managed to draw 2-2 with Enyimba.
Rivers United coach, Stanley Eguma, who commended his players for the win over stubborn ‘Akure Ginners’ has said his team will take the Super 6 matches as they come.
Meanwhile, in the final match of Day 2, Group A winners Bendel Insurance who drew 0-0 with Lobi Stars will take on Sunshine Stars who lost 0-1 to Rivers United.
