Enyimba coach Usman Abdalla has said the NPFL championship playoffs is still wide open even going into matchday 4 of the tournament, which will produce the three teams to represent Nigeria internationally next year.
Kano Pillars are top of the standings after three rounds of matches with seven points, a point ahead of second-placed Enyimba.
Akwa United are third and within the continental qualification bracket on five points.
Today’s round of games will give a clearer indication of the clubs to finish in the top 3.
“It’s still open for almost five of the teams. Anybody can win it. So that’s the exciting thing,” Abdalla said.
“We are only a point behind the leaders and that is where we were before. So, we are still keeping in contention.”
The early kick-off game between Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars will be the star clash and a win for Rangers will lift them back to top reckoning after they forced to a 3-3 draw by comebacking Akwa United.
Rangers, who cruised to win Group A of the abridged league in the regular season, maintained they have not given up on topping the playoffs.
“The result (3-3 with Akwa United) has made our task of emerging champions difficult, but not impossible,” insisted coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Enyimba will be expected to beat bottom team FC Ifeanyiubah, who have lost all three games thus far, while the clash between Akwa United and Lobi Stars is too close to call.
Today’s matches
Enugu Rangers vs Kano Pillars 3-5pm
Akwa United vs Lobi Stars 5-7pm
Enyimba vs FC Ifeanyiubah 7-9pm
