My Picks In The NNL For Promotion

Now that the Nigeria National League (NNL) has set a kickoff date (May 2) for the 2014/2015 season, the teams in each group would have by now get busy with permutations. A four Group format would favour the teams in-terms of number of games they'll play, the budget won't be huge and the only danger for the teams will be not to hit form and lack of consistency.

It's very tough to pick the likely teams that will gain promotion from a league that's not on TV. Most likely teams will record wins at home and the team that picks more points on the road is likely to gain promotion.

In Group A1, the fight to stay at the top will be very tough considering that there are four teams out of the eight in that group that will go all out. Plateau United have been consistent the last three season, they've always fight for a promotion ticket till the very last day in each season and will most likely repeat that this season.

Kaduna United who drown in the NPFL relegation water last season will want to make an instant return to the elite league. The other two teams are very ambitious, Kogi United and Supreme Court FC, both teams won't have it easy but their build up to the new season has been commendable. Kogi United have signaled their only target for next season is to gain promotion and I'll watch them closely.

Promotion ticket- Kogi United

Group A2, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, Mighty Jets of Jos and Niger Tornadoes of Mina all came close to stay at the top last season and these teams will give Gombe United who are desperate to make an instant return to the NPFL after they were relegated last season. Ranchers Bees fought to the last day last season, Mighty Jets and Niger Tornadoes also kept the pressure intact at the top.

Promotion ticket - Gombe United

The team that wants it most will grab the only ticket in Group B1. Debutant Ikorodu United might be unknown to the other teams but their performance at the 2015 Lagos FA Cup was average. They've got an experience coach in Maurice Corman and a team made up of experience players who have played in the top flight league before but the likes of Remo Stars who after missing the promotion ticket two seasons back will give a good fight. Prime FC have always made it clear of their interest to gain promotion, they'll also be in for a good challenge alongside Abia Comets whose neighbor, Abia Warriors are in the NPFL.

Promotion ticket- Abia Comet

Group B2 has two main teams that will lead the pack while two others will give a good fight. Akwa Starlet and First Bank FC missed the promotion ticket on the last day last season and both teams look good this term however MFM FC and Gateway United could keep the pressure intact all through the season

Promotion ticket- Akwa Starlet.

The Four Groups In The NNL:

Group A 1-

Kaduna United

Adamawa United

Plateau United

Yobe Desert Stars

Jigawa Golden Stars

Supreme Court

Kogi United

Spotlight FC

Group A2-