•Lobi eye summit as Sunshine target first October win
Abia Warriors welcome Heartland to the Umuahia Township Stadium for the Nigerian Premier Football League matchday five as both teams clash in the Oriental derby.
Following their 1-0 win over Kano Pillars, Abia Warriors broke down the following week suffering a 2-0 away loss to Lobi Stars. They however have a solid home form with two wins, but they are up against a side desperate for victory.
Heartland FC are 17th on the log, three points behind the Ochendo Babes. Their manager, Christian Obi, is currently in the hot seat to turn things around or get sacked.
However, Heartland has lost just one game, with three draws and a win at Abia would take them level on points with the Warriors.
It is a difficult task as the Heartland Warriors have conceded in every game they have played this season.
In another fixture, unbeaten Lobi Stars take on Rivers United. Asides their lack of losses, Lobi have also been defensively resolute with two clean sheets from four games.
As they eye a chance to take top spot in the league, Lobi have scored in every game they played this term and that record will bode well against a Rivers United side struggling for form and goals, with four points from as many games.
Two weeks ago, Rivers drew at home to Kwara United and lost to Kano Pillars following a last-gasp Rabiu Ali goal last weekend.
Newcomers Sporting Lagos will host the Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in one of the most scintilating clashes of the matchday.
Sporting started the season brightly as the newly promoted side came into the league with an unseen spark, but the loss to Remo Stars last week seems to have put a brake on their movement.
However, the Super 8 winners have what it takes to give any team a run for their money and the Niger Tornadoes will definitely not get a warm welcome to the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium.
Another interesting tie in the NPFL Fixtures week five is between Kwara United and Bayelsa United.
Kwara United have had a mixed start to the season, but their only loss came in the opening weekend of the season in a 1-0 away defeat to Katsina United.
The Harmony Boys are back in the South-South after they recorded an impressive 0-0 draw away to Rivers United two weeks ago. They could not build on that as they drew again at home to Enugu Rangers.
Since their impressive opening day 5-3 win over Akwa United, Bayelsa United have slipped to a losing spree. They lost their next three games and their coach Tarila Okorowanta will be feeling the pressure.
Shooting stars have been formidable this term at home, and their fans will be expecting more of the same against a youthful and enterprising Doma side. The Oluyole Warriors will bank on their home form to see them through as they are yet to lose at home and have only recorded one defeat in all games this season.
The Ibadan-based side lost 2-0 away to Bendel Insurance, but Doma United will find them a massive challenge.
The NPFL fixtures matchday five sees Sunshine Stars travel to Katsina. The trip to the border state will be strenuous for the Akure side, and it might take its toll on Sunshine Stars in the tie as well.
Few sides have come from the south to pick a result at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium and it has become a mini fortress for the Changi Boys.
