MATCHDAY 14 of the Nigerian Premier Football League stages a spectacular showdown in Lafia with Lobi Stars welcoming Doma United in a clash that could have significant implications in the top four race as these two titans lock horns having a point to prove.
Doma are bidding to extend their unbeaten run in the NPFL to 10 games in the encounter that hosts, Lobi are also aiming to return to winning ways and also extend their winning home streak to seven games.
Lobi are yet to drop a point at home this season – one of the few clubs to have ahieved that feat so far in the NPFL.
They have won all their six games, scored 11 goals and conceded just four.
Having had these decent credentials, they will be playing one of the giant slayers in the Savannah Tigers in Lafia.
Doma United have played nine games without conceding a goal so far a form which reflects their compactness and defensive solidity under coach Akinade Onigbinde.
Lobi Stars on their part will seek to avoid consecutive defeats having lost by a lone goal last weekend to Akwa United in Eket.
Only a win will help extend their unbeaten home run in the NPFL this season as well as move them closer to the top spot currently occupy by Remo Stars.
It will be the third meeting between both sides in the NPFL. Both teams have only met twice and they were only able to win at each team’s respective homes.
In Owerri, Heartland coach Kennedy Boboye will be up agianst one of his former sides in Akwa United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
This is the first time the gaffer will be playing his former club since he left in 2022.
Boboye will be desperate to record his second win in charge of the Naze Millionaires at the expense of the Promise Keepers.
Both sides have met 18 times in the last 11 years and Heartland have won eight times leaving Akwa United to scopp seven wins with three draws amongst them.
The last time Heartland lost to Akwa United at home was in 2019 when former NPFL highest goalscorer Mfon Ufon scored a 72nd-minute winner.
Ever since then, the Naze Millionaires have won their last two home games against Akwa United however with a goal margin.
In Enugu, Rangers will seek to end their winless run of five games when they host Sporting Lagos.
The Flying Antelopes have drawn two and lost three of their last five games which has seen them drop to 13th place with 15 points.
Fidelis Ilechukwu needs to brace his team up against Sporting Lagos who will be hoping to get their second consecutive point at the Oriental region.
In other fixtures,
Sunshine Stars will host Gombe United while Kano Pillars will battle Remo Stars. Kwara United will host Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin while Plateau United clash with Bayelsa United.