LOBI STARS VS SUNSHINE STARS

DATE :Sunday, January 29, 2012
VENUE :  Atoung Stadium, Katsina Ala


Once a dreaded side in the Nigerian topflight, Lobi Stars have struggled for form this season and this is a must win game for them if they hope to win back the support of their fans and put fear into the minds of their opponents.
Thursday’s win in a rescheduled week two tie against newly promoted side, Akwa United, was a timely boost but they have to maintain  a level consistency needed to maintain their topflight status.
For Sunshine Stars, who have also struggled to replicate last season’s form that saw them lose out narrowly on winning their first domestic title, they would also be keen to avoid defeat following match day one reverse in Port Harcourt against Champions Dolphins.
They go into the game on the back of a heart warming home win against Heartland and should be in buoyant mood for this game.



TORNADOES VS 3SC

DATE : Saturday, January 29, 2012
VENUE : Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna


Two consecutive defeats and an impressive home win  have been the story of the season for northern  side, Niger Tornadoes of Minna.
They face the daunting task of flying past a rejuvenated  Shooting Stars side  who are desperate to make an impact this season after two consecutive home draws and playing in front of their vociferous fans, could help do the magic for them.
This is the first game on the road for the  Festus Allen tutored Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan after three back- to- back home matches where they could only garner five points out of a posible nine.
Poor away form contributed to their struggle last season and they know if they must challenge for the title, they must start picking points on their travels.



KADUNA UTD VS GOMBE UTD.

DATE : Sunday, January 29, 2012
VENUE : Kaduna Township Stadium, Kaduna

Leaders Gombe are the in form  team this season and homers, Kaduna United must find the right antidote to stop them in this tie.
Kaduna United have won the past two meetings between them on this ground but their form this season suggests there might be a change of guard.
Back to back defeats against Rangers and champions Dolphins have put the Maurice Cooreman tutored side in the bottom half of the log.
While Kaduna United would be fighting to earn their second win of the season Gombe would look to further cement their hold on the top position.


JIGAWA VS HEARTLAND

DATE :Sunday, January 29, 2012
VENUE : Jigawa Township Stadium, Dutse

Yet to record a point in their return in the top flight this season, Jigawa stars will be hoping to put smiles in the faces of their loyal fans when they square up against Heartland at home.
The three consecutive defeats they have suffered so far has put them in the relegation zone and anything short of the maximum points at stake will further compound their woes.
For Heartland too, it’s not been a comfortable start with their shocking week one loss away to another newly promoted side, Wikki Tourists  still on their mind.
Underrating Jigawa could be their greatest undoing, but they have a strong squad to cope with this tricky fixture.


RISING STARS VS WIKKI TOURISTS

DATE: Saturday, January 28, 2012
VENUE: Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode

Rising Stars are without a win after three rounds of matches in the Nigeria Premier League and they need to stand up to the test against Wikki.
With two home draws against Akwa United and Kano Pillars, a win is what the Uyo based side need to get their season on track.
Wikki Tourists on the other hand started the season brightly with  surprise home wins against Heartland and Kano Pillars but lost their first away game of the season against Rangers in midweek.
A win for either side would show their readiness to maintain their topflight status.


ABS VS KWARA UNITED

DATE : Saturday, January 28, 2012
VENUE : Ilorin Township Stadium

It’s time for Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football club to show it’s superiority over it’s arch rivals once again.
Last season, ABS (then Bukola Babes) beat Kwara United the two times they met, putting six goals past them.
ABS is yet to record a win this season and this is their first home game in this campaign.
Kwara United though are in buoyant mood ,after recording two back to back wins against Champions, Dolphins and Enyimba.


OCEAN BOYS VS AKWA UNITED

DATE : Sunday, January 29, 2012
VENUE : Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa

Ocean Boys’ fans will have the opportunity of watching their darling team for the first time this season after three consecutive away games. Their form has however been impressive, though Wedneday’s 3-0 spanking at the hands of Niger Tornadoes represents a low point.
Newly promoted Akwa United have not done badly so far since returning to the topflight and holding high flying Kwara United to a goalless draw in match day one.
Avoiding defeat in this fixture could well send a message to the rest of the pack on their readiness to compete on an equal footing with the rest of the pack and maintain their topflight status.