The Nigeria Premier Football League enters matchday 7 this weekend with a handful of fixtures to look forward to, as Kano Pillars and Sporting Lagos go head-to-head at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday.

Even though it’s matchday 7, a look at the table suggests that men are slowly being separated from boys. The contenders are getting into shape while the placeholders are fighting to remain relevant.

Defending champions Enugu Rangers are at the top of the table, while last season’s runner-up and 2022 champions Rivers United are closely behind.

Enyimba seem to be finally out of a coma after the Aba Elephant sealed a draw away at Kano Pillars and a comfortable win at home to Shooting Stars.

Barau FC are still undefeated but have dropped to the third spot. The Kano-based team might have a sour taste of defeat this weekend as they find themselves in difficult territory.

The oriental derby between Enugu Rangers and Abia Warriors in Ozoro headlines this weekend’s fixtures, but attention will be on Port Harcourt, Kano and Aba.

Kano Pillars v Sporting LagosNigeria Premier Football League

The Sani Abacha Stadium is arguably the most difficult ground to get a point on in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Masu Gida have won 10 of their last 11 home matches, making the ground a fortress. However, Sporting come into the tie with a level of confidence, especially in Lagos, with their famous win over Enyimba in Aba. Coach Jeff Buter told Guardian Nigeria that the victory over Enyimba will inspire his boys to go for maximum points.

Enugu Rangers v Abia Warriors

On paper, Rangers are favourites to win based on form, but given this is a derby, the Flying Antelopes will have themselves to blame if they think they can fly over the Warriors with ease. Abia Warriors have been a bogey team for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side, with slim margins separating both teams in recent meetings. Rangers go into the derby with a road win over Warri Wolves, while Abia Warriors crush Bendel Insurance. Abia Warriors’ last away win at Rangers dates back to 2023, and with Rangers not playing at their default home ground, the Warriors might fancy their chances.

Rivers United v Ikorodu City

Rivers United’s attention is on the league following the continental woes, but the Pride of Rivers are still swimming in the pool of inconsistency. Ikorodu City share the same fate so far. The Oga Boys are struggling to build on last season’s remarkable run but will draw confidence from the win over Enyimba in Aba two weeks ago

Enyimba v Plateau

The Aba Elephant are on a slow rise to their feet after falling five times in a row. Enyimba avoided defeat at Kano Pillars very recently and an emphatic win over Shooting Stars. Plateau United’s three wins without a loss in five matches suggest the men from Jos can send Enyimba back to the sick bay.

Shooting Stars are at home to Nasarawa United as the Oluyole Warriors look to bounce back from the defeat at Aba, Inter Lagos without a win at home so far this season as they host Katsina United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena while Barau are in Benin City as Brendel Insurance’s guest. (Guardian)