12 March 2011
What ever this weekends result against Enyimba, Dolphin will finish the first round of the Nigeria Premier League top of the table.
But there could be no better setting for the title chasers to beat defending champions Enyimba in front of their home fans to fire serious warning they are on their way to their third league crown.
Dolphin parade the stingiest defence in the NPL so far, letting in only eight goals in 18 matches and they have also made the most of home advantage by winning all nine home games, added to having the best away record in the league four wins and a draw.
Enyimba, on the other hand, have struggled in their title defence, losing eight matches to the likes of promoted teams JUTH and Bukola Babes.
The peoples elephant, who this week scooped two top awards for last year, are now in ninth spot with 28 points, 12 points off the pace.
Their cash problems this term are well documented and on the pitch, they have been very inconsistent as the new players struggle to gel with the old players.
It is most certainly a pale shadow of the team who topped the championship last season with 70 points from 38 matches.
It has taken us a rather long time to adjust to the many changes that have taken place in the team this season, remarked right winger Philip Auta, who will miss this fixture due to a foot injury.
Also ruled out of this fray are star defender Valentine Nwabili, who is ill, and injured midfielder Rashid Olabiyi.
Another intriguing tie this weekend is that between hosts Kaduna United against Warri Wolves.
Wolves are third in the standings with 32 points, two points ahead of fifth-placed Kaduna.
The biggest cheer for the Warri club is the return from a six week-long ankle injury of star defender Ikechukwu ThankGod, the highest paid player in the NPL on 170,000 naira a month (about $1,100).
Warri Wolves will be without skipper Goodluck Onamado and forward lively Ebuka Okafor, who both picked up their second bookings of the season in last weeks home game against 3SC.
Defensive midfielder Emmanuel Omodiagbe and Samson Kpenose are also not available for selection as a result of illness.
There are doubts over man of the match against 3SC, Chimezie Mba, as he may be held back by the U23s preparing for a 2012 Olympic qualifier.
For Kaduna United, suspended striker Jude Aneke will return after missing last weeks narrow home win over Bukola Babes, but Under-23 invitees Sani Aruwa and Siman Yusuf are very unlikely to make the starting XI after they disappointed against the rampant Bukola Babes.
The teams cash problems have eased slightly with the payment of two months pay for the playing staff, but Belgian coach Maurice Cooreman is unhappy that his contract is not been followed to the letter.
The players are still owed three months salaries and nothing has been paid as signing-on fee.
And this is coming before their first debut in this years CAF Confederation Cup against Foullah Edifice of Chad.
United boast a very proud home record though and have thus far accounted for the top teams in the NPL Enyimba, Dolphin, Sunshine Stars and Enugu Rangers.
Heartland host Sharks at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, also on Sunday with their sights fixed on the maximum points to improve on their 11th position.
The Naze Millionaires were unlucky not to come away with at least a point from the derby against Enugu Rangers in mid-week after they completely controlled the game in the second half.
One of the bright spots from the game against Rangers was the form of teenaged striker Obiegbu Ogochukwu, a recent acquisition from Gabros United.
He came off the bench in the second half and had a good penalty appeal turned down when he was hacked inside the box on his way to goal, before he smashed a belter against the post in the final moments of the encounter.
Right winger Bello Musa Kofarmata and defender Emmanuel Olowo, who missed the trip to Rangers are expected to be available for the visit of neighbours Sharks. Kofarmata was held back in the national Under-23 team training camp, while Olowo suffered from a bout of malaria.
Saturday
Kwara Utd vs Tornadoes
JUTH vs Rangers
Dolphin vs Enyimba
Sunday
Crown vs Gombe Utd
Lobi vs Plateau Utd
Sunshine Stars vs Bukola Babes
Ocean Boys vs 3SC
Heartland vs Sharks
Zamfara vs Kano Pillars
Kaduna Utd vs Warri Wolves
