The much-anticipated commencement of The NPFL 2021/2022 is finally here this weekend as Lobi Stars made final touches to receive CAFCL/CAFCC ousted Rivers United at The Aper Aku Stadium Sunday, December 19, 2021, in a Matchday One big game.
Arguably the biggest and fierce fixture of the day, looking at the level of preparation of the visiting Rivers United who though out of continental duty, have undergone a litmus test that could undoubtedly make them one of the most prepared clubs in the NPFL 2021/2022 at this stage, Lobi Stars will be parading a crop of young and near new-look team with a pedigree of having had the most outstanding home performance, last season will likely continue the ride.
Recall, the star-studded Rivers United were disgraced by Lobi Stars in the same venue last season with a humiliating goal margin of 4-1 and would stop at nothing to sustain the HTH dominance. Rivers United on the other hand will be facing a Herculean task in Makurdi to put in their all to avoid a repeat bashing which was recorded as their worst defeat of last season.
The pride of Benue have overly sustained a Head to Head dominance as they have won 12 and drew 2 of the 22 all-time HTH encounters leaving The Eunisel sponsored boys with only 8 wins and 2 draws, and are still prepared to extend the dominance in the opening game.
Speaking to Lobi Stars Media, The Technical Adviser of the team coach Eddy Lord Dombraye who sounded optimistic about the game said; Rivers United are a big team and are prepared, having lost out of the continent some few weeks ago. I have no doubt that they are in good shape, that notwithstanding, Lobi Stars is Lobi Stars and are still a top team in the NPFL. I am not dwelling on Lobi Stars’ head to head superiority over Rivers United because every game is different, more so considering the fact that the team is new look with very few old players but the fact is Lobi Stars still has a grade A status in the NPFL.
The Ukraine based gaffer went ahead to say, the team is in high spirit, the mood in the camp is very encouraging and we are going all out to give our best and hope for a successful outing.
The NPFL 2021/2022 officially kicked off Friday, December 17, 2021, as Remo Stars sniffed life out of MFM at their adopted base Mobolaji Johnson Arena with a 0-2 scoreline. Eight other games will be decided in other centres across the country alongside Lobi Stars and Rivers United as follows:
Gombe United F.C. vs Shooting Stars 3SC, @ Pantami Stadium, Gombe
Akwa United vs Kano Pillars F.C @
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium 4PM
Katsina United vs Rangers Intl
@ Muhammadu Dikko Stadium 4PM
Enyimba vs Abia Warriors
@ Enyimba International Stadium 4PM
Sunshine Stars F.C vs Wikki Tourist F.C.
@ Akure Township Stadium 4PM
Niger Tornadoes vs Plateau United
@ Kwara Sports Stadium, Ilorin, 2PM
Kwara United F.C vs Dakkada F.C
@ Kwara Sports Stadium, Ilorin 4PM
Heartland FC vs Nasarawa United FC
@ Okigwe Township Stadium 4PM
