Ibrahim Musa’s side will want to complete the double over the People’s Elephants, but will need to give an awesome performance

It’s set to be another enthralling battle between two rivals in the Nigeria Professional Football League as Enyimba host Kano Pillars at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Sunday Afternoon.

The People’s Elephants return home hoping to find some sort of solace after last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan which saw them lose ground on third placed Akwa United who extended their lead over the Aba based club to four points.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s side has relied heavily on their impressive home form to push them into contention for continental qualification and nothing but a win will suffice in Calabar. The seven time NPFL Champions have won nine home games on the spin, and a win against Pillars would take them to within one more of equaling El-Kanemi’s record of 11 successive home victories. 

Following Kano Pillars’ 2-0 victory over Remo Stars last time out, they are 10th and six places behind the Aba based side, but there are only three points separating both sides on the log and a win for Ibrahim Musa’s men will throw the race to qualify for continental football wide open. Pillars’ recent record on their travels won’t inspire confidence, though. They have failed to win on the road all season and having not won away at Enyimba in the last 12 years, the signs are unpromising for Sai Masu Gida.

The four-time NPFL champions won the reverse fixture 3-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, and they may be motivated by the chance to do the double over the Aba Warriors, after being on the receiving end of twin losses to their rivals last season.

The clash will also see the return of several one-time Enyimba players to face their old team in an attempt to come out on top. Chinedu Udoji (former Enyimba captain), Idris Aloma and Kamal Sikiru will hope to be selected as they seek to outwit their former teammates and derail their bid to earn a continental ticket.

The game shouldn’t be devoid of goals as Enyimba’s last five home fixtures have averaged over two strikes. Mfon Udoh, currently on 57 NPFL goals will want to improve his all-time tally by scoring against the Kano outfit.

In the last 25 meetings between these sides in the NPFL, Enyimba’s recorded 11 wins and Kano Pillars have won 10 times. Four of the games have ended in stalemates.

With seven games left to play, this mouthwatering affair between these closely matched sides is set to dominate headlines with the winner having a clearer picture of where they stand in the race to secure the all-important continental ticket.