The Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan is set to ignite with the fiery passion of a South-West derby as Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City lock horns in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season. This highly anticipated clash marks an early test for both teams, each harboring ambitions of a successful campaign. For Shooting Stars, it’s a chance to showcase their development under the tutelage of Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, while Ikorodu City aims to prove their mettle against a traditional powerhouse. The backdrop of Aweroro facing his former club adds a compelling layer of intrigue to this already electrifying encounter.
Shooting Stars enter the match on the back of a hard-fought draw against Bendel Insurance, a performance that hinted at the team’s growing resilience and tactical discipline under Aweroro. The Oluyole Warriors, as they are known, have shown encouraging signs of progress, with winger Ismail Ayodele emerging as a key creative force, utilizing his pace and trickery to unlock defenses. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal’s experience is also proving invaluable, offering a reassuring presence between the posts. Aweroro’s high-intensity approach is gradually taking shape, instilling a renewed sense of belief among the Shooting Stars faithful.
Aweroro’s tactical blueprint focuses on a dynamic midfield, where Ayobami Junior has emerged as a crucial cog in the engine room. The potential return of Alex Aghahowa and Sodiq Ibrahim from illness could further bolster the squad’s depth and provide Aweroro with greater tactical flexibility. New signing Chidiebere Nnachi is also anticipated to play an increasingly prominent role as he integrates into the team and the season progresses, offering another dimension to the attack. The home crowd’s support at the Lekan Salami Stadium will undoubtedly be a significant factor, providing a boost to the Oluyole Warriors as they seek to capitalize on their home advantage.
Despite the temporary absence of CHAN invitee Waliu, who has embarked on a new chapter in Cyprus, Ikorodu City travels to Ibadan brimming with confidence. Their astute recruitment during the off-season has strengthened the squad, with goalkeeper Michael Atata quickly establishing himself as a reliable last line of defense. Junior Christian’s commanding presence in defense provides a solid foundation, while Tosin Oyedokun injects dynamism and energy into the midfield, linking defense and attack with his tireless running and distribution. The attacking threat of Shola Adelani adds another dimension to Ikorodu City’s offensive capabilities, posing a significant challenge to the Shooting Stars’ backline.
The clash between Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City is more than just a regional derby; it represents a tactical battle between two ambitious coaches with differing philosophies. Aweroro, now at the helm of Shooting Stars, will be eager to demonstrate the progress his team has made under his guidance. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of his former side and will undoubtedly devise a strategy to exploit any vulnerabilities. Ikorodu City, on the other hand, will be determined to thwart Aweroro’s plans and prove that they can compete against the best, even without their key player, Waliu. The midfield battleground will likely be crucial, with both teams vying for control and seeking to dictate the tempo of the game.
The match promises to be a captivating spectacle of footballing prowess, tactical acumen, and passionate rivalry. Shooting Stars will be fueled by the roar of their home crowd, aiming to secure an early victory and establish themselves as contenders. Ikorodu City, however, is no pushover and will be resolute in their pursuit of a positive result, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform on the road. The encounter between Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City embodies the essence of the Nigeria Premier Football League, a vibrant display of skill, determination, and the unwavering spirit of competition. This early season derby has all the ingredients for a memorable encounter, one that will be etched in the memories of fans and players alike. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the Lekan Salami Stadium will be a cauldron of emotion, a testament to the captivating power of football in Nigeria.
