As always, there is plenty to play for as another weekend of league fixtures is upon us. The competition is getting more intense and credentials are under strict examination. From Bauchi to Uyo, Owerri to Kano and from Enugu to Jos, NPFL venues will light up from Saturday evening as teams hope for impressive outings this weekend.
Abia Warriors will set off proceedings with the first of the weekend's 10 fixtures when they entertain Giwa FC of Jos. Fresh from a hard fought point in Nnewi, the side from Umuahia are replicating the form of their debut season and they have lost just once this term.
Perhaps this is the season that the most sought-after continental ticket will be acquired but first they will have to overcome the Elephants from Jos. The visitors are looking to get their season back on track but this is an opponent they have never beaten.
The rest of the games are scheduled for Sunday and one of the biggest fixtures would be Rangers' 4pm clash with Shooting Stars of Ibadan. Both sides have started off in contrasting fashion and while Rangers are edging it towards the top, Shooting Stars are struggling for some consistency and are without any sort of point away from home.
But coach Kadiri Ikhana won a whopping 23 points on the road last year with Enyimba. Rangers must be wary of the old war horse and his team.
Kano Pillars will seek to put their midweek disappointment behind them when Ikorodu United come calling. The visitors are in high spirits having won a first game in 12 attempts but have the toughest of tasks against a Pillars side eager to make amends.
Would there be a 3SC-like backlash or would the visitors pick the pieces of a Pillars side that have seen their self-confidence stretched?
The other Lagos side are away at the Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi where they play Lobi Stars. MFM made their league bow on that ground as 2-1 winners over Nasarawa United but how would they fare against a Lobi Stars side that nearly nicked all three points away to Enyimba?
The defending champions, Enyimba, will be keen to avoid the sort of performance that has seen them draw two home games on a bounce. Niger Tornadoes are the guests and Ismaila Gata, one of the league's top marksmen is surely one to watch in this tie.
FC Ifeanyiubah make a three-hour trip to Uyo to face a brittle-looking Akwa United side. Despite the impressive early season start these two teams had, they appear to be gasping to catch up.
Already Maurice Cooreman has been relieved of his responsibilities at least for the time being and the rest of the squad have two more games to save themselves. The visitors have not got anything away from home in a long time but this will not be an easy tie for either side.
Nasarawa United face Wikki Tourists in Bauchi while last weekend's big winners Rivers United are in Warri to face a rejuvenating Wolves side. Coach Stanley Eguma's side were victorious with right-back Chigozie Ihunda leading the line. It worked to perfection but this is a south-south derby. Will the hosts, Wolves, be generous with points this weekend?
Zachary Baraje's Plateau United got their first away point after last weekend's 2-2 draw in Ibadan and this weekend, it's Sunshine Stars in the opposite half against them. Their usual strong home displays will be severely tested by a side that despite their weekend loss to Kano Pillars look to have found some form.
In Owerri it's Heartland against Ladan Bosso's El-Kanemi Warriors. Having thrown away a lead in Lagos, Heartland will look to bounce back but will they? The last time Bosso led a team to Owerri he left with all three points. Will the lightening strike in the same place twice?