As we approach the tenth week of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season, NPFL, the Oriental derby take center stage of the fixtures as a newly revamped Heartland welcomes Enyimba to Owerri while Abia Warriors play host to high-flying Antelopes from Enugu.
The oriental derby is a fixture that dates back over 40 years from when present-day Heartland was still named Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Rangers were kings of NPFL as they both went loggerheads for titles and trophies in the land.
Abia Warriors and Enyimba may be new boys in the Oriental derbies but they have grown to have bragging rights of theirs especially Enyimba who arguably is the best team in the land with their 9 NPFL titles after a refurbishment in the early 2000s.
For this season, all four teams have had mixed fortunes. Heartland are yet to pick a win, Abia Warriors have not been consistent, Enyimba has had a slow start to the season while Rangers have started on the high. The forms of these teams are what makes these ties an interesting one as forms are thrown out of the way when it comes to derbies.
NPFL24: Heartland v Enyimba
This fixture has 14 NPFL titles in it.
It might come as a surprise but this is a fixture Enyimba have not won in 10 games dating back to 2015. The best result the Elephants of Aba have got in the fixture has been a draw.
The Elephants have found some form after picking back-to-back wins for the first time this season against Bendel Insurance and Lobi Stars. The wins ensured their spring on the log to 8th from 13th.
However, Finidi Goerge’s men have been poor on the road. They have picked just a point on the road this season – the 0-0 draw against Niger Tornadoes. And on the road to a ground where they have been poor for 8 years, it does not look good for the Blue Army of Aba especially with Heartland having just appointed a new manager.
Despite their unbeaten run in the NNL to return to the top flight after spending one season away, the Naze Millionaires have a very poor start to life in the top flight. Heartland remains the only team in the NPFL this season to win a game.
Hence, some days ago they appointed Kennedy Boboye as the new head coach of the team. Boboye replaces Christian Obi whose position is now unclear at Heartland.
Boboye, a two-time NPFL champion with Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021) now has an uphill task. Facing a resurgent defending champion is not what he would like to start his tenure with but the fixture is in his favour.
Heartland are the team to lose the most points from winning position this season after conceding 80’+ goals from Lobi Stars, Katsina United, Rivers United, Bayelsa United, and most recently a 90’+10 equalizer away at Sporting Lagos.
These equalizers have been the undoing of the Naze millionaires.
Both teams in the last 5 games
Heartland – DDLDL
Enyimba – WWLLW
NPFL24: Abia Warriors v Rangers
The last 10 meetings between these two have seen the Warriors take the most points. The Umuahia-based side has won 7 out of the last 10 meetings.
Erasmus Onu’s men have won the derby in the last two games. A 2-0 win away at Awka, Rangers’ adopted home and 2-1 in Umuahia completes the double.
However, the Pride of Abia have only picked 4 wins in 9 games this season – all at home; making the Umuahia stadium a fortress.
Rangers’ newly assembled Flying Antelopes are indeed flying. A new manager – Fidelis Ilechukwu, and almost a new crop of players under a new management; it is all anew in Enugu.
Rangers are the only team to score in every game bar one – the 0-0 draw against Katsina United on match day 9 – this season. Ilechukwu’s men have, while playing good football, picked 2 points on the road this term. 2-2 and 1-1 draws against Sunshine Stars and Kwara United.
However, this tie is not in their favour. They will have to dig deep to turn the tides to their side come Sunday.
After the 0-0 draw against Katsina United, Ilechukwu pointed out that “the next game (Abia Warriors) is a must-win”. Kalu Nweke, a former player of Abia Warriors who now adorns Rangers’ colours solicits for support ahead of the game.
“I love the game already. I will see those I love in the team (Abia Warriors) and my fans. I expect my family and friends to come support us because I am now a Ranger.”
Both teams in the last 5 games
Abia Warriors – LLWLW
Rangers – DDWLW
Fixture Schedule
Heartland and Enyiimba will slug it out on Saturday by 4pm while Abia Warriors and Rangers will be played on Sunday at same time.
Both games will be aired live on StarTimes TV Beta Channel.
Other NPFL fixtures for the weekend apart from the Oriental derby are below
MD1️⃣0️⃣ of the #NPFL24 is here.
Two games on Saturday @RemoStarsSC v @domaunitedfc
Plateau United get a bye because of ❌️❌️??❌️ continental engagement.Heartland v @EnyimbaFC live on @StarTimes_Ng
Sunday
7️⃣ games #disfootballsef pic.twitter.com/SyTsIv0Yb2— Andrew Randa⚽️?? (@randafooty) November 24, 2023