January, 31 2023.
The Group A encounter in Ikenne between Remo Stars and Enyimba of Aba, and the tie in Maiduguri between El-kanemi Warriors and Insurance of Benin, are clearly the headline fixtures of Day-5 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), but the Group B game in Port Harcourt, between high flying Rivers United and troubled Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, whose Head Coach, Kabiru Dogo became the first managerial casualty of the Abridged Season, can simply not be waved aside.
Kabiru Dogo resigned on Tuesday afternoon, alleging imposition of players on him, and interference in his work by the club's hirarchy, which he blamed for the poor run of results that saw the Tourists draw just one, while losing 3 of their matches.
Having accepted his resignation, it is not clear who will take his seat, as Wikki takes on the Pride of Rivers, who lead the Group, having won 3 and drawn 1 match thus far.
With a perfect win record made possible by their prolific striker, Imade Osarenkhoe, who has scored a goal in every match so far, Bendel Insurance are already in the North East to face fellow promoted side, El-kanemi Warriors, who are still grappling for good form.
Another team in imperious form is Lobi Stars of Makurdi. Smarting from a 3-0 trouncing of on Sunday, they are home again in Jos, to Sunshine Stars of Akure. Enugu Rangers are still in search of their first 3 points of the season, and they will fancy the prospect of doing just that against Dakkada FC of Uyo.
Abia Warriors of Umuahia are guests of in-form Niger Tornadoes, with a battle of promoted sides, Bayelsa United and Doma United rounding off the Group B fixtures.
In Group A, the team Bendel Insurance ruthlessly thrashed on Saturday, are back to Ikenne for the visit of eight time Champions, Enyimba of Aba, in what promises to be another litmus test for Coach Daniel Ogunmondede, whose aura of invincibility was blown apart, in Benin on Saturday. www.ckdmedia.ng reports.
There is also an old Plateau derby to be played in Kaduna, where Nasarawa United will be hosting Plateau United, underperforming Kwara United will host Akwa United in Ibadan, while Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan appear battle ready, and could add to the misery of hapless Gombe United, at the Pantami Stadium.