As drama continues to unfold in the elite division, action returns in the Week 33 matches across the country
Giwa - Dolphins
Both sides are desperate for the maximum points to boost their separate dreams - for the Jos' Elephants, chasing the top four places remains a possibility, while the Pride of Rivers are after survival. On the road, 17th placed Dolphins would hope raise their hopes of staying up in the topflight with at least a vital away point, but getting that against Giwa, who are undefeated at home could be a tall and impossible task.
Ifeanyi Ubah - El Kanemi Warriors
Either side are not threatened by relegation nor in contention for title or continental places, but gallantly fighting to consolidate on their various positions in 11th and 13th respectively. Ifeanyi Ubah managed to pull off draw at Dolphins, but building upon their achievement at home despite against another spoiler in El-Kanemi Warriors who defeated Sharks 2-0 could be tough.
Sharks - Wikki Tourists
After a narrow 1-0 win over Taraba, Wikki will head to Sharks with winning hopes on their mind to close gap on the top two places against a relegation-bound Port Harcourt side. Both teams with different destinies of relegation survival and title challenge respectively with six games left to play, but a return to winning ways could keep alive the hosts' ambition for another topflight stint next season.
Taraba - Heartland
A trip to the far Northern city of Jalingo looks a fatigue-ridden experience for the Naze Millionaires, but could stand a chance against their troubled hosts who are yet to escape the LMC's hammer over unpaid players’ wages. After a home win against Enyimba, Heartland would be anxious stun and compound the woes of Taraba who lost 1-0 in Bauchi and desperate for a home win to survive their imminent relegation.
Enyimba - Shooting Stars
Leaders would yet be faced with another tough title test as Enyimba looks to avoid a slip, while 3SC will fancy doing a spoiler against the hosts. Finishing well in the top 10 now remain the most Gbenga Ogunbote's men could attain with continental places far from their sight. After they fell in Owerri, Coach Kadiri Ikhana would tell his wards to keep focus and maintain composure against their organised visitors on Sunday.
Bayelsa United - Nasarawa United
The Solid Miners will be in Oghara in push for a top four spot against Bayelsa as visitors itch to end their league campaign on the high. While Bayelsa United failed to held 3SC in Ibadan would hope to consolidate on their latest achievement against relegation. With dreams of playing topflight football very paramount for the Restoration boys, so a maximum point would be a huge boost and a big blow to the hopes of Nasarawa United for continental places.
Lobi Stars - Kwara United
A relegation battle in Markudi with both sides seeking a survival, though the hosts stand two points above relegation places but Kwara United had slipped into the bottom-four but a draw could get them temporarily out. Lobi Stars wonder forward Tony Okputu will be crucial in the Federation Cup finalists chance against an upset-seeking Harmony Warriors.
Akwa United - Abia Warriors
Both teams on different pages of the log with the Promise Keepers lying only two spots and points respectively above the drop zone. The Uchendu Warriors who had struggle for form and consistency as Abia Warriors would hope for a surprise at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium against Akwa United who are labouring to stay afloat with a home win.
Enugu Rangers - Warri Wolves
An encounter not too many would hope to miss as the Flying Antelopes will delight handing Warri Wolves a title set back by building upon their first leg win in Warri. The Paul Aigbogun's men are unsure about what their hosts have in mind but dreams of avenging their first stanza lost remain on the high. Impossibility is nothing as a win for Warri Wolves could take the battle for title with the Peoples Elephant till the last day.
Kano Pillars - Sunshine Stars
Yet another big clash as title chasers Sunshine Stars are desperate to close gap on the top three, just as the hosts Kano Pillars look anxious for the maximum points in push for a good finish. Sunshine lost badly in Warri by 3-0 and craves coming out of Kano with at least a point like they did in 2014. With only a win in last five, returning to winning ways will be huge task for Bab Ganaru's side.
