Katsina United host Pillars in north-west derby

• …As Lobi, Sunshine set for clash of stars in Akure

The age-long rivalry between neighbours, Katsina United and Kano Pillars will be rekindled as the north-west giants clash today in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) midweek 22 fixture at the Muhammdu Diko Stadium in Katsina.

When the two gladiators clashed in the first round, the host Pillars ran away with a slim 1-0 victory after Mustafa Ibrahim scored the lone goal in the 27th minute.

Therefore, today’s encounter is a big opportunity for Katsina United who have been on ascendency under new gaffer, Abubakar Bala, to avenge that first round loss.

However, the ‘Changi boys’ who secured a point on the road in their last away match at Kwara United will have to do something extraordinary to contain the rampaging Pillars who crushed Sunshine Stars 5-1 in their last home match,

In the other midweek matches, table topping Lobi Stars will be guests of Sunshine Stars who suffered a crushing 6-1 loss at Kano Pillars. Lobi Stars on Sunday piped Heartland 1-0 in Lafia to return to the top of the table.

Nigerian junior international, Kumaga Suur, who scored in the 68th minute to hand Lobi Stars the maximum points, will be eying his seventh goal of the season in the clash with the ‘Akure Gunners’.

With Remo Stars, Pillars and Enyimba breathing down their necks, Lobi Stars must avoid defeat in Akure to stand a chance of retaining their leadership of the log. Elsewhere, Bayelsa United who stunned Akwa United 1-0 on Sunday in Uyo will play host to Doma United who were beaten 0-1 at home by Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars will visit Rangers in Enugu, while Sporting Lagos will hope to recover from their 0-2 loss against Gombe United as they welcome struggling Akwa United.

In Aba, Abia Warriors will host Kwara United who were forced to a 1-1 draw at home by Katsina United, Heartland will have their hands full as they welcome former champions Plateau United just as Gombe United will aim to build on their home victory over Sporting when they visit former African champions Enyimba.

Although the week 22 fixture between Rivers United and Niger Tornadoes has been postponed, 3SC who are still basking in the euphoria of their well deserved 0-0 draw against Plateau United will host Bendel Insurance tomorrow at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.