Matchweek 6 kicks off with the match between Akwa United and Katsina United on Saturday evening. The Promise Keepers side recorded a 1-0 loss to Lobi Stars last week and will be looking to pick up their third win of the season against the Changi boys. Katsina United are the league’s number thirteen at the moment. Eight times Champuons Enyimba defeated Shooting Stars SC in one of the eternal rival clash on matchday 5 and sit third in the table with nine points.
In form Remo Stars beat 2017 champions Plateau United 1-0 last week Sunday evening. Remo Stars are still unbeaten after five matches and sit top of the standings with eleven points. They drew Dakkada on matchday 4 and will be keen to continue their unbeaten run. Rivers United have accumulated nine points and three adrift to Remo Stars in the NPFL. Many did not expect Remo Stars will be the early toppers for the returnee who got back to the NPFL last season from the second division as against their relegation the term they play with the big boys in the NPFL, but they have been doing surprisingly well.
Elsewhere, Rivers United lock horns with last season surprise package Kwara United in what proves to be an intriguing encounter. Both sides have gotten their fair share of attention in the press in the first weeks of the season, but have not reached their best form. Rivers United shared points with Niger Tornadoes last weekend, also Kwara United did the same thing against quiet title contenders Rangers International. The flying antelopes will face MFM FC at Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, The Olukoya boys have managed to win two out of their five matches so far this season and sit thirteen on the standings.
Can Niger Tornadoes survive Kano Pillars this weekend?
The absolute match of the week is Sunday’s clash between Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes, both teams sit at the bottom of the standings. Niger Tornadoes were dealt a bit of a blow by Rivers United last weekend they were held to a 0-0 at home. Abubakar Bala Muahmmed’s men will probably be looking to make up for this on Sunday.
The Minna side have been struggling to find their best form this season and still await their second win of the season.
Kano Pillars are considered to be title favourites, but their recent form have left a lot of their fans thinking after five matches, Sai Masu Gida were beaten 3-0 by Dakkada making them occupying the bottom of the log a point adrift Niger Tornadoes on the 19th spot on the log as well last weekend. Both teams will have to come out and play their hearts out this Sunday when they face each other.
Shooting Stars vs. Sunshine Stars
The South West derby will see Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars rekindle their rivalry this weekend with Shooting Stars going into the encounter with a defeat in the hand of Enyimba last week by 1-0 and drop to the 18th spot on the log with 5 point. Edith Agoye’s men will be keen to return to winning ways on Sunday. Much will depend on the form of star player Wasiu Alalade who joined from Kwara United during the offseason transfer window though. Sunshine Stars have managed to stay afloat in the second half of the table with 5 points and fifteen on the log, with a disappointing form this term. The Akure gunners are recovering from a FIFA ban and the League Management Company also decline their return to their fortress, they will be hoping to continue their new discovered form against the bottom of the log Kano Pillars after 3-0 thrashing.
Rivers United vs. Kwara United
Two top-five NPFL clubs clash in this matchup as Rivers United Inter Milan (2-3-0) hosts Kwara United (2-2-1). This will be an interesting clash of styles as Rivers United does most of its damage in the midfield offence with 5 goals through its first five matches this season and Kwara United does its best work on defence having conceded only four goals this season. That defence will be put to the test against Rivers United’s red-hot offence which has scored five goals in the team’s last three matches.
Kwara United hasn’t faced a team as tough as Rivers United and Remo Stars yet. It wouldn’t be too surprised if they were to grind out a draw. But considering how much better Kwara United is on offence and the fact that this game is being played at Adokiye Amasiamaka Stadium, we’ll take our chances on the home team as a small favourite.
 Plateau United vs. Dakkada
Plateau United will be hoping to come back to their good home run, The Tin City side have maintained their best form, but they are yet to pick up good form away this season, they will prove to be a difficult opponent for eight place Dakkada who are currently facing banishment from their home ground. However, Dakkada will be brimming with confidence after their impressive performance against Kano Pillars last weekend at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. With (2-2-1) Dakkada can post a threat to Plateau United due to their current form after five matches
Nasarawa United vs. Lobi Stars
This is the biggest derbies in the Nigerian domestic league as Lobi Stars (2-2-1) made quick work of reigning champions Akwa United in a 1-0  home victory last weekend at the Aper Aku Stadium. The win was Lobi Stars’ second win and the club has now outscored its opponents 14-2 through the first five matches of the season. Nasarawa United  (0-2-3) on the other hand is winless through its first five matches and has been outscored 13-7 over that stretch, conceding at least two goals in all five of those games.
OTHER MATCHDAY 6 MATCHES
Gombe United vs Enyimba FC
Rangers International vs MFM FC
Abia Warriors vs Heartland
Akwa United vs Katsina United
Wikki Tourists vs Remo Stars
