The Predictor sets sail with doubleheader

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is back on the menu again after throwing up some of the most fascinating stats and records in its history.

Unfortunately the signature game for the season, Heartland versus Kano Pillars was called off on the eve of the start of the campaign after the champions were robbed while on their way to OWerri.

So it is only befitting that the doubleheader in Port Harcourt takes the slot to set the tone for this season's campaign. The matches are live on SuperSport Select.

Sharks v Sunshine Stars (Liberation Stadium)

The Blue Angels and Owena Waves open the new season. Sharks will be without the man who netted 14 of their league goals last season - Christian Pyagbara. But I do not expect them to be short on goalscoring personnel after bringing in Bode Daniel and Yomi Olaoke from Crown FC.

It is however Sunshine Stars that I worry a bit for going forward. Two of their key men upfront, Ajani Ibrahim and Dele Olorundare, have been suspended indefinitely by the club, but that is a running story for another. I expect Sunshine Stars to play with some kind of organisation this time especially under English coach, Paul Ashworth than last term when they lost this contest 1-4. But I'll stick with Sharks for the full points.

My prediction: 1-0

Dolphins v Kwara United (Liberation Stadium)

Kwara United have lost in all of their travels to Dolphins in the Premier League era, and I am banking on them to change that. Dolphins have had competitive games under their belt and that would prove to be an advantage for them though the trio of Jonathan Zikiye, Joseph Douhadji and Pyagbara are not in the match day squad.

Kwara United will not make it easier for Dolphins but I doubt their capability of taking back a result with them to Ilorin.

My prediction: 2-1

Enyimba v Akwa United (Enyimba Stadium)

This is always a grudge game between the two clubs, and I do not think this season's clash will be any different. Enyimba new boy, Ezekiel Bassey, acquired from Akwa United will be unleashed on the former teammates and I will like to see how he responds in this match.

Enyimba will have to be wary that a former coach of theirs, Zachary Baraje, is the man to lead Akwa United from the dugout. He knows the Aba club's playing personnel, and I fancy a very tight contest in Aba on Sunday.

My Prediction: 1-0

Wikki Tourists v 3SC (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium)

I find this matchup an interesting one considering the fact that these are two clubs who have just returned to the top flight after a season in the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL). The Tourists have quietly done business in the transfer market but it is 3SC who brought in some stellar names including Rasheed Olabiyi as a free agent.

I do fancy 3SC pulling off a result at Wikki as they look a balanced team in terms of playing personnel going into this season.

My prediction: 1-1

El-Kanemi Warriors v Nasarawa United (Sani Abacha Stadium)

Warriors start the season depleted after champions Kano Pillars acquired two of their best defenders, Reuben Ogbonnaya and Joel Djondang while goalkeeper David Obiazor moved south to join Heartland. Nasarawa United have equally lost a few of their men and will miss the midfield presence of Tony Edjomariegwe.

El-Kanemi will also not have head coach, Salisu Yusuf on the bench. A stalemate looks in the card in this game for me as I think both teams will cancel themselves out and play cautious.

My prediction: 0-0

Giwa FC v Abia Warriors (Rwang Pam Stadium)

Last season's newcomers face off, and it is surely going to be a tantalizing matchup. Giwa FC have seen a number of departures in the off-season but they still have the firepower to face Abia Warriors who have brought in some experienced players including former Enyimba defender, Valentine Nwabili. This same fixture last term ended goalless, and I am going for the same scoreline.

My prediction: 0-0

Bayelsa United v Lobi Stars (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium)

After escaping the drop last season, Bayelsa United begin the new season against Lobi and I am keen to see how they cope with life without the freescoring Peter Ebimobowei who has since joined Egyptian giants, Al Ahly. Lobi are usually scrappy on the road and I do not think that will change with the appointment of Justin Tenger as head coach known for setting up his teams defensively and physically.

So I think Bayelsa United have a chance of taking the full points in this match if they take their scoring opportunities.

My prediction: 2-1

Gabros FC v Warri Wolves (Gabros Stadium)

This is going to be a tricky tie for Wolves. Gabros have returned to the top flight for the first time in 10 years and they have come with a change in name as they are now called Ifeanyi Ubah United. They have also recruited decently too, bringing in the like of Chibuzor Okonkwo and Brendan Ogbu as well as a Bulgarian coach, Mitko Dobrev.

Wolves are without head coach Paul Aigbogun for this clash as he is away on a coaching programme in the United Kingdom. I know the Warri club are good enough to win on any ground in the country especially with forward and wing men like Joseph Osadiaye, Freedom Omofomah, Abu Azeez and Michael Egbeta. A draw looks a possibility for Wolves to take out of this matchup.

My prediction: 2-2

FC Taraba v Enugu Rangers (Jolly Nyame)

Rangers have continued their drought of league success and have now gone 31 years without a major silverware. Yes they have brought in Kelechi Emeteole as head coach, but I still think their playing personnel remain lightweight compared to Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Warri Wolves, who I regard as title contenders.

FC Taraba won this matchup last season 2-0, and will look to do same this time. The Jalingo club, I expect, will find Rangers a different team this time under Emeteole, who is a master when it comes to playing against northern teams. But FC Taraba will just do enough to nick this.

My prediction: 1-0