NPFL: Lagos, Port Harcourt and Minna are the centres of action on Sunday

Newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC coach, Obinna Uzoho, says his side are determined to humble Ikorodu City when both teams face off in a Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 11 encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday.

The fixture, which will be live on NPFL-Live, Propel Sports and FRCN, is set to kick off at 4 pm under the officiating of Suleiman Ibrahim.

The clash marks the first-ever meeting between the two privately owned clubs, with Ikorodu City currently sitting fifth on the log and boasting an impressive eight-game unbeaten run.

The Lagos side has also kept three consecutive clean sheets, conceding once throughout October, and all their last eight fixtures have produced fewer than three goals. However, Uzoho insists Kun Khalifat’s focus is not on the statistics but on redemption and momentum.

Speaking with the club’s media ahead of the game, Uzoho expressed confidence in his team’s growing chemistry after an unbeaten October in which they won twice and drew twice.

“September saw us focused on settling into the Premier League while simultaneously navigating the challenge of playing our ‘home’ games away,” he said.

“The month of October, however, we were much more settled playing at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, and we’re starting to build vital team cohesion. We’ve rediscovered our form and are building on this redemption, forging ahead to achieve our debut season’s objectives.”

The Pride of Imo State are placed 14th on the table after ten rounds of matches, but Uzoho believes the position does not reflect his team’s quality or effort.

“We are aware of our position in the league table. It is a log that simply doesn’t reflect the dedication of this squad,” he said.

“Rest assured, we are working tirelessly to climb up further and deliver the results our great fans deserve. The recent 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance was certainly a setback. It was two points dropped and one gained. However, we’ve analysed it, we’ve learned from it, and we are now heading into the next fixture with the absolute determination to compete fiercely and take maximum points.”

Elsewhere, Rivers United will host league leaders Nasarawa United in Port Harcourt and Niger Tornadoes will welcome in-form Abia Warriors to Minna.

Both matches carry significant weight in the title race, with all four teams eager to assert their dominance as the season gathers pace.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Rivers United face a stern test against a confident Nasarawa United side determined to maintain their grip on the summit.

The Pride of Rivers endured a frustrating goalless draw against Ikorodu City in midweek, a result that highlighted their struggle for consistency under manager Finidi George.

With just 13 points and a ninth-place standing, Rivers must rediscover the winning mentality that once made them one of the NPFL’s most feared home sides.

Finidi is under pressure to steady the ship and deliver a statement performance against the league’s pace-setters after securing a Champions League group stage slot. The manager has repeatedly stressed the need for composure and better finishing in front of goal, but his side’s inability to convert dominance into points remains a lingering concern.

Anything less than victory this weekend could intensify scrutiny and widen the gap between Rivers United and the leading pack.

Meanwhile, at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, Niger Tornadoes prepare for an equally high-stakes encounter against Abia Warriors in what promises to be a thrilling tactical contest.

The Ikon Allah Boys have found renewed belief in recent weeks, combining solid defensive structure with purposeful attacking play. Their home form has been a major factor in their rise up the table, and victory on Sunday could propel them into serious contention for a top-four finish.

Much of their stability has come from the superb form of goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube, whose performances have anchored the Tornadoes’ backline.

The 25-year-old, who joined from Inter Lagos, has quickly become a fan favourite, keeping four clean sheets in ten appearances this season.

His calm presence, commanding aerial ability and sharp reflexes have made him one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers. Those qualities have been key to Tornadoes’ recent defensive solidity, with clean sheets against Nasarawa United, Bayelsa United and Plateau United underscoring his growing influence.