The Nigeria Premier Football League is set to witness another thrilling Southwest derby as Ikorodu City hosts Remo Stars on match-day 17. This encounter marks the first time these two clubs will face off in the NPFL, adding a new chapter to the rich history of football rivalries in the Southwest region. From the days of Stationery Stores and Julius Berger to the more recent battles between 3SC and Sunshine Stars, the Southwest has always been a hotbed of footballing passion. Remo Stars, a relatively new entrant to the league in 2019, has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, engaging in fierce contests against traditional powerhouses like 3SC and Sunshine Stars. Now, they face a fresh challenge in the form of Ikorodu City, a newly promoted club making waves with their daring and ambitious approach to the game. This match-day 17 clash comes at a crucial juncture for both teams.
Ikorodu City has forged a reputation as a formidable force at their home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. While their early season losses to Rangers and Nasarawa United tarnished their home record, they have since rebounded impressively. Winning six out of their eight home games this season, Ikorodu City has demonstrated their ability to dismantle even the most formidable opponents on their own turf. Victims of their home dominance include established sides like Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, Lobi Stars, 3SC, El-Kanemi Warriors, and Akwa United. This string of victories has instilled a sense of confidence in the team, particularly under the guidance of interim coach Nurudeen Aweroro, who has successfully stabilized the ship after a rocky start. Aweroro exudes confidence in his team’s attacking prowess, stating their intent to continue their scoring streak and delight the home fans.
Remo Stars, currently sitting at the top of the league table, travel to Lagos looking to extend their impressive form. They have secured two away victories this season, defeating Abia Warriors and Kano Pillars 2-0, and are eager to add another win to their tally. The match against Ikorodu City holds special significance for Remo Stars, having faced them in a pre-season tournament where Ikorodu City narrowly missed out on victory. Stand-in coach Sulaimon Kamil acknowledges the close contest in the pre-season encounter but expresses unwavering confidence in his team’s ability to secure a win this time around. The stage is set for an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles and aspirations.
The derby, however, will be played without several key players due to their participation in the Super Eagles B camp for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers against Ghana. Ikorodu City will miss their captain and right-back, Waliu Ojetoye, while Remo Stars will be without four crucial players: captain Junior Nduka, Sikiru Alimi, Jide Fatokun, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole. Despite these absences, Ikorodu City coach Aweroro believes the derby will not lose its intensity. He emphasizes that while Ojetoye has been a consistent performer, they have capable replacements to fill the void. He also expects Remo Stars to have adequate cover for their absent players, suggesting that the overall quality of the match will remain high. This sentiment adds another layer of intrigue to the encounter, as both teams will need to adapt their strategies and rely on their squad depth to compensate for the missing players.
This derby marks a significant milestone in the NPFL, pitting two Southwest teams against each other for the first time. Ikorodu City, playing at home, boasts an impressive record with six wins out of eight games at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Their attacking prowess will be tested against Remo Stars, the current league leaders, who have secured two away wins. The absence of key players due to national team duty adds another layer of complexity, forcing both sides to adapt and rely on their squad depth. The pre-season encounter between these two teams hints at a closely fought contest, with Remo Stars narrowly edging out Ikorodu City. This time around, both teams will be determined to secure a victory, adding more fuel to the already fiery Southwest derby. The stage is set for a compelling clash that promises to deliver excitement and showcase the evolving landscape of the NPFL.
The clash between Ikorodu City and Remo Stars embodies the spirit of the Southwest derbies, showcasing the passion and competitiveness that define the region’s footballing culture. With both teams aiming for a positive result, the match promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Ikorodu City, playing in front of their home crowd, will be eager to maintain their impressive home form and further solidify their position in the league. Remo Stars, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and prove their mettle against a challenging opponent. The absence of key players adds an element of unpredictability, making the outcome even more difficult to predict. Ultimately, the derby will not only determine three crucial points but also contribute to the ongoing narrative of the NPFL’s evolving landscape.
