NPFL Preview: Lobi Stars Aim to Extend Lead With Niger Tornadoes’ Visit

NPFL Preview: Lobi Stars Aim to Extend Lead With Niger Tornadoes’ Visit
Credit: Lobi Stars Twitter

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfits Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes play each other at the New Jos Stadium on Saturday evening for an all-important affair. The two teams sit three points apart going into the match, with Lobi Stars occupying the top of the NPFL Group B standings and Niger Tornadoes in 4th place.

Lobi Stars have 26 points from 15 matches and sit pretty at the top of the NPFL 22/23 Group B table. On the other hand, Niger Tornadoes are 4th with 23 points from 15 games. The latter can cut the gap to Lobi Stars with a win, making the fixture an intriguing watch this NPFL weekend.

How have Lobi Stars fared in the NPFL recently?

After a scintillating start to the NPFL season, the Makurdi-based club have seen NPFL results hard to come by recently. Mohammed Babaganaru's team have tasted two consecutive defeats, losing 1-0 to Sunshine Stars and 3-0 to Bayelsa United. They've had a mixed run of results in the last few weeks, winning just four times in 10 NPFL games. However, given their impeccable winning streak at home, Lobi Stars will feel confident. They have collected all available points from their seven matches at home this season and will be looking to stitch their eighth-straight home win against Niger Tornadoes.

How have Niger Tornadoes fared in the NPFL recently?

Abubakar Bala, the head coach of Niger Tornadoes, urged his boys to focus as they target a place in the top three of the NPFL Group B table. Given the competition in Group B, the Tornadoes have little room for mistakes and must improve their away record to topple the Lobi Stars on their turf. The Tornadoes have picked up four points from their last three away games, a stat they'll hope to improve away to Lobi Stars.

Fortunately, they come into the match with four points in their last two games. They beat Abia Warriors 3-0 in their latest NPFL outing while collecting a point in the 2-2 draw away at Enugu Rangers two weeks back. They'll hope to continue the run and move closer to the Lobi Stars going into the final leg of the NPFL fixture list.

However, it'll be far from easy, as Lobi Stars have lost just two of their last 10 NPFL games. They're one of the in-form teams in the NPFL Group B. It'll be an intriguing watch and could swing either way. Fans can participate in the action and use the Betway sign up offer or 1xbet promo code to begin playing.

While the match won't be available for NPFL fans in Nigeria and worldwide, fans can stay updated with the live scores.

This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago

Chandan is a passionate writer, editor, and marketer with a love for football. He has bylines in leading online publications and has worked with renowned sports brands like The Olympics, Fox Sports Asia, and the Indian Super League (ISL). As for the unimpressive part, he loves Chelsea.