Organised stadium entry
The League Management Company (LMC) has disclosed that the gates will no longer be thrown open for league matches. The former practise ran the risk of potentially resulting in a stampede as a result of overcrowding, and also to curtail the excessive unruly behaviour especially from home fans. With the increasing rate of insecurity experienced at match venues in the first round, this is a welcome decision from the league governing body.
Stephen Odey to emerge goal king
MFM FC poster boy Stephen Odey will most likely see out the season at the Lagos-based club. His recent ill-advised trip to Denmark, which apparently didn't have the approval of his club, seems to have put spanners in the works of a potential transfer to the Scandinavia nation. His invitation to the Super Eagles get together later this month in France is an indication that he could be a potentially key player for the CHAN Eagles. Furthermore, Odey could be enticed to stay, add to his 14 goals and possibly break Mfon Udoh's 23 goal league record set three year ago.
Enugu Rangers to experience resurgence
Champions, Enugu Rangers will look to replicate the late season resurgence of dethroned English champions Leicester City, albeit the Flying Antelopes have more games to finish in a respectable position at the end of the season. Realistically, there should be no talk of a title challenge or aspirations for a continental ticket. There is no extra distraction of playing continental games, outstanding issues as regards wages should have been addressed and the new recruits have bolstered the playing squad on the strength of recent results.
Surprise package to emerge winners
This season could see the emergence of a non-traditional team as league winners. The traditional teams and heavyweights have all failed to sparkle, lacking consistency this season. Plateau United, coached by the likeable Kennedy Boboye are top of the league and could be in for a surprise title win. El-Kanemi Warriors could bank on their invincibility at home to have a shot at the title. A few points on the road added to a potential maximum home point haul of 57 could do the magic for the Maiduguri-based club. FC Ifeanyi Ubah with the financial backing of Oil magnate and sponsor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah have a strong depth in squad which could be crucial in the final title run-in. Though they are seven points behind the leaders, they could build on their late first round resurgence to mount a fierce title challenge.
Relegation fears for big guns?
This season could continue a recent trend which has seen some of the more established teams go down at the end of the league campaign. Last season saw the duo of Heartland and Warri Wolves go down to the Nigeria National League and there could be a repeat at the end of the next 19-rounds of matches. Wikki Tourists-a team that featured in the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup and Shooting Stars, look to be in imminent danger considering both occupy uncomfortable positions in the bottom 4.