By Taye Hassan Adigun
Nigeria Professional Football League table-toppers Plateau United will be looking to keep their top-spot hopes alive when they host fourteen on the log Warri Wolves at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Plateau United are leading the pack with 18th points from 9 games after forcing 2017 champions Rangers Internationals to a 0-0 on matchday 9 in Enugu, they are looking to continue their 100% home record against Warri Wolves are desperate need of a win as they battle for a better position before the new year.
Five wins, three draws and 1 defeat – that is Plateau United in the NPFL season. A total of 18 points from nine games has left them in the first position in the table since the season began in November, two points above surprise package Dakkada FC into matchday 10. The Wolves beat Wikki Tourists in Wednesday’s midweek game, though, meaning they still occupy the sixth position with 14 points.
However, Abdul Maikaba might stick with the same crop of players who demolished FC Ifeanyi Ubah 5-1 and held former champions Rangers Internationals in their last two outings
A number of teams are in the mix for second, third and fourth at this stage. Dakkada FC has surprised a lot of followers, they are one point better of Lobi Stars follow by Sunshine Stars, Enyimba and Wikki Tourists any of this teams are guaranteed to top four before the new year, but the battle for the spots behind them will seemingly go to the final weekend.
Warri Wolves have managed to win two out of their nine games, beating Wikki Tourists 1-0 and Adamawa United last November have since them moving up and down on the log since their return to the top flight this season, suffering defeats to Rivers United at home and Jigawa Golden Stars in Kano.
A solid away return might see the Warri based team move up to top 10 before the new year.
Players to Watch
Warri Wolves Abu Azeez is regarded as one of the NPFL brightest stars, he represented in Nigeria CHAN and Super Sand Eagles where scored 1000 goals in the history of the competition in Nigeria colours.
Plateau United have one price asset and that is Daniel Itodo, He known for his long audacious thrown in, He is being regarded as Nigeria “Rory Delap. With four assists and 2 goals to his credit
Plateau United possible starting lineup:
Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Amma Umar, Andrew Ikefe, Ibrahim Mustapha, Charles Henlong, Buahri Ibrahim, Bernard Ovoke, Nenrot SilasOche Selifu Ochowechi
Warri Wolves possible starting lineup: Ocheayi Richard; Brown Okpus Olalere Oluwasegun, Upele Charles, Onomado Good luck, Amadi Samuel, Abu Azeez, Innocent Orukpe, Omodiagbe Victory, Okoyo Michael, Williams Sunday.
Plateau United form guide: WWWDWDLWD
Warri Wolves form guide: WDDDDLLW
Last matches Plateau United
Plateau United 5-1 Ifeanyi Ubah
Heartland Owerri 1-0 Plateau United
Plateau United 0-0 Kano Pillars
Kwara United 1-3 Plateau United
Nasarawa United 1-1 Plateau United
Plateau United 2-1 Wikki Tourist
Jigawa Golden Stars 0-1 Plateau United
Plateau United 3-1 Lobi Stars
Rangers Int’l 0-0 Plateau United
Last matches Warri Wolves
Warri Wolves 1-0 Wikki Tourists
Jigawa Golden Stars 2-1 Warri Wolves
Warri Wolves 0-0 Lobi Stars
Warri Wolves 0-1 Rivers United
Dakkada FC 1-0 Warri Wolves
Warri Wolves 1-1 MFM FC
Warri Wolves 0-0 Sunshine Stars
Warri Wolves 1-1 Akwa United
