But keen attention will be shifted to the Ibom Derby involving the Choosen ones (Dakkada) vs the Promise Keepers (Akwa United) at the Nest of Champions tommorow in Uyo.
The Ibom Derby came alive when Dakkada Fc formerly known as Akwa Starlet, gained promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League from the Nigerian National League in 2019, although both teams has been previously meeting themselves in the State FA Cup and friendly games.
Ahead of the crunchy tie this weekend, the Derby has been a one sided team affair since 2019, as both teams has met a couple of 5 times in the NPFL with Akwa United getting victorious three times and drawing twice. - [Via SoccerStats247.com]
While the Choosen ones (Dakkada Fc) are yet to taste a win in this Derby, with the them losing thrice and drawing twice against the Promise Keepers.
However, with the above stats one wouldn't be wrong if he call it a one sided derby, but that might soon change come tomorrow considering what's at stake in this particular derby.
What to Expect Come Tomorrow
• Goals Galore:
With the Dakkada defence being one of the worst defensive sides this season, having a -14 goals difference shows how porous the Umar Danlami led side has been when it comes to conceding goals.
On the other hand, coach Ayodeji Ayeni's men has been goal shy in front of goal this season, his side and Kwara United are the only team in the top 8 with the least goal difference of (4).
This isn't impressive when you consider how the Promise Keepers were a goal threat in their course to winning the league last season, but it indeed raises the question on if they'll be able to take advantage of Dakkada's porous defence come tomorrow.
What's at Stake:
Unlike other derby days where both teams played for the sake of pride with no concequences attached.
But this particular derby has plenty things at stake for both teams and anything short of a win for both teams might jeopardize their ambitions going forward.
•Continental Spot:
Akwa United's loss away to Heartland Fc of Owerri on matchday 32 meant that the current champions of the NPFL, wouldn't retain the title again come the end of this season.
But after winning their 13th State FA Cup title yesterday against Dakkada, coach Ayodeji Ayeni has since turned their attention to seeing how they could get a Continental ticket, which could only be realistic finished third on the log.
A win against Dakkada this Sunday will put coach Ayodeji Ayeni's men on course for achieving that dream, while a draw or defeat will be a major set back to the Promise Keepers ambition.
•Relegation Battle:
Coach Umar Danlammi's boys sits 18th on the NPFL log with 5 more games to go, and they stand a chance of getting relegated if they don't most of their remaining games.
Although they've played less games than their fellow relegation counterparts- Heartland and MFM FC, a win against the Promise Keepers would catapult them from 18th to 15th depending on whether if results from other centres go their way.
The game on Sunday at the Nest of Champions by 4:00pm W.A.T will be about who wants it more, considering what's at stake for both teams.
We hope the officials do the needful and at the end we hope to see the better team come out victorious.