by Kareem Habeeb
3SC Shooting Stars will target consecutive home victories when they host struggling Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Sunday in Matchday 11 of the Nigeria Premier Football League(EuroMatch NPFL), as coach Imama Amapakabo seeks to inspire his side to a much-needed turnaround.
Abia Warriors have recorded just one victory in their last six matches, with their struggles continuing in their most recent fixture, where they suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Niger Tornadoes. The result has increased the pressure on Imama to find a response as his team prepares for another challenging encounter.
However, Abia Warriors can draw confidence from their 2–0 away victory over fellow South-West side Sporting Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena earlier in the season. Goals from Ikoi Etta and Emeka Obioma secured all three points for Imama’s side, giving them an important result on the road.
The Umuahia-based side will now face another South-West opponent, Shooting Stars, who earned their first away point of the season in a 2–2 draw against Ikorodu City. The Oluyole Warriors will be eager to build on that result and make their home advantage count.
Shooting Stars currently occupy 15th position on the league table with 12 points, while Abia Warriors are 17th with 10 points. Both sides will be hoping to pick up maximum points to improve their standing in the league.
Shooting Stars will also take confidence from their 3–1 home victory over Ranchers Bees, which ended a five-match winless run. They will be determined to follow that result with another home victory and strengthen their position in the league.
History also favours the hosts, as Abia Warriors have lost their last three visits to Shooting Stars’ home ground, conceding eight goals without scoring. The record presents another challenge for Imama’s side as they prepare to face the Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan.
With both teams seeking valuable points, Shooting Stars will aim to extend their positive home form, while Abia Warriors will be determined to bounce back from their recent setback. A victory would provide either side with a valuable boost as the NPFL campaign progresses.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
