WEEK 1: Oriental Derby Preview

After a long absence of club football due to postponements and political intrigues, the NPFL finally kicks-off in style with Saturday’s Oriental Derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba.

The game which promises to be a pulsating encounter will be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium where last season's runners-up Enugu Rangers will host eternal rivals Enyimba who finished in fourth place.

A late goal from Chikeluba Ofoedu helped Rangers defeat Enyimba in the corresponding fixture last season. But Enyimba won the reverse fixture 2-0 through goals from former Rangers players Uwadiegu Ugwu and Razaq Adegbite.

This weekend's host Rangers have won just two and lost three of their last five games against Enyimba, however none of the two teams have managed to pick a point away from home within the period under review.

Rangers have fortified their team heavily in the off season, having signed more than a dozen players.
The Flying Antelopes re-signed some of their old players like Razaq Adegbite from Enyimba, Sunday Mba and Chigozie Agbim who starred for Nigeria at the Nations Cup from Warri Wolves, as well as a host of other players like Nigeria international and former Heartland defender Chibuzor Okonkwo.
Enyimba on the other hand have also been busy in the transfer market.

Although they lost last season's revelation Nzube Anazemba to Rangers, they still snapped up the likes of last season's top scorer Gwar Sibi from relegated Niger Tornadoes, Ukeyima Akombo from Sunshine Stars as well as Andrew Abalogu and Bright Esieme from ABS FC amongst others.

The game which will kick-off at 16h00 local time will live on Supersport.


KickOffNigeria.com