The Olukoya boys make the trip to test the might of Abdu Maikaba's side while the Flying Antelopes will be hoping to avoid another disaster at the Savannah Scorpions', yet to lo...

Akwa United Vs MFM FC

After two wins in a row, Akwa United, out of nowhere, jumped up to fifth place and they may go as high as fourth at the end of the first round. They beat Kano Pillars away from home last week by 1-0.

This week their task seems much tougher in theory, and that means MFM will prove to be a hard nut to crack. They are in first place with 33 points, seven above Akwa.

The Promise Keepers are looking in good shape, plus the fact that right now they are not far away from their desired top-three finish, which should give them an extra push.

Gombe United Vs Enugu Rangers

The defending champions are currently bottom of the Nigeria Professional Football League table with just 13 points from 14 matches. Odds are against them after their ouster in the CAF Confederations Cup last weekend.

Gombe United have a realistic chance of winning based on the fact that they are yet to lose at home this term. Their form in the last five matches have been encouraging.

It will be a surprise if the Savannah Scorpions don't score against a team low in confidence, but perhaps Rangers could also create a few chances and respond with at least one goal as well.

Niger Tornadoes Vs Kano Pillars

Niger Tornadoes' approach has been hailed by many this season. Lokoja has been a fertile ground for them, coupled with some excellent results on the road, they are fourth on the log.

Kano Pillars won the 2013 championship thanks to an amazing second-round winning streak. This season they seem to be going after a different record, one which is quite unusual. They have lost seven games at this stage of the campaign. This has to change in order for the team to win, but the Ikon Allah Boys are never an easy task. The visitors have some very talented attackers and it is only natural that they will, eventually, find a way to put the ball at the back of the net.

Given the fact that Tornadoes don't usually end up with either a clean sheet or without scoring, we could see goals coming from both sides at the Confluence Stadium.

Plateau United Vs Katsina United

Plateau United are back in league action and they will lock horns with Katsina United at the Rwang Pam Stadium in a clash that promises to be exciting.

Title-chasing Peace Boys have a way of grinding out impressive results in Jos and that will be their aim in the fierce battle.

For Katsina United, their major focus should be either reducing the tally or picking a point.

El Kanemi Warriors Vs ABS FC

Before their game against MFM, everyone knew El Kanemi Warriors had a very difficult task at hand, but they still gave it their best shot and unfortunately, lost at the Agege Stadium.

Well, the visitors are certainly a team that should not be taken lightly. However, they've had a rough last six rounds with quite a few unfortunate results that caused them to drop down to ninth place.

It should be very interesting to see how the Desert Warriors will respond to their loss to the Olukoya Boys at the El Kanemi Sports Complex.

Lobi Stars Vs Sunshine Stars

Lobi Stars have not been playing very well lately, but they were still able to grab a draw against FC IfeanyiUbah. They are currently in 12th place with 24 points from 18 matches. They are stronger when playing at home.

Sunshine Stars haven't been consistent as seen in the results posted by them. They haven't looked like a good side capable of competing for honours.

In case Lobi Stars win, they will conclude this season's first round with 27 points.

Abia Warriors Vs Wikki Tourist

Abia Warriors lost to Rivers United 1-0 in their previous outing. They aren't having any difficult time scoring lately, as Sunday Adetunji is there to provide the required solutions. Their tight backline should keep the Bauchi Elephants away from their quarters.

Wikki Tourist are struggling to stay away from the other half of the table. They have managed to collect 21 points from 17 matches. They are out of form and are facing many problems in all their various playing departments, but mostly in terms of scoring.

If the Ucendu Babes are to have any realistic aim at the top-three group, this tie present that chance, but Wikki are in need of points as well.

FC IfeanyiUbah Vs Shooting Stars

Even though they had a poor start to the campaign, they haven't really skipped a beat in recent times. They're undefeated in six consecutive games, sit in eighth, and have 18 goals to their name. They have Shooting Stars to feast on in Nnewi.

Shooting Stars are a side contented with keeping their NPFL status. Their lean budget means they can't compete with some of the best in the land. They have picked few points on the road and will be hoping they get lucky against FC IfeanyiUbah.

The Oluyole Warriors are unlikely to keep the Anambra Warriors scoreless at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium.