Shooting Stars Sports Club make their way to Kano for a high-stakes fixture against Kano Pillars FC in Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The match is set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the iconic Sani Abacha Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.
Current Form and Momentum
Shooting Stars arrive in good form following a morale-boosting 1–0 home victory over Plateau United on Matchday 7. The result marked the third win of the campaign and reflected a team steadily growing in confidence under Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro. The side has found a better balance in recent weeks, combining defensive solidity with intelligent build-up play through midfield.
Backed by a crowd of 6,251 supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium last weekend, belief continues to swell within the camp. A positive result in Kano would not only add to the momentum but also strengthen the team’s credentials as one of the most disciplined sides in the early stages of the season.
Kano Pillars, meanwhile, are aiming to maintain their reputation as a formidable side at home. Despite some recent inconsistencies, they remain strong at the Sani Abacha Stadium and are always well-supported. Head Coach Evans Ogenyi will be looking to guide his team back to winning ways and reassert their presence in a comfortable tier of the league table.
Head to Head History
The last ten league meetings between both sides have produced a mix of outcomes, with neither team maintaining prolonged dominance:
- Shooting Stars wins: 5
- Kano Pillars wins: 4
- Draws: 1
Most recently, Kano Pillars claimed a 3–1 victory over 3SC in May 2025, but the Oluyole Warriors had the upper hand in both meetings earlier in the year, including a 2–1 away win in April and a 2–0 home win in December 2024.
Team News and Selection
Shooting Stars are expected to name a largely unchanged squad from the Matchday 7 triumph. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal retains his spot following an assured display, while key performers such as Kabir Tijani, Ismail Ayodele, and Ayobami Junior are available and likely to feature prominently once again. Alex Aghahowa continues his recovery and is closest to returning among the injured quartet.
Coach Aweroro will have the benefit of continuity and tactical flexibility, giving him the option to adapt to the challenge posed by Kano Pillars’ direct and physical approach.
For the hosts, the presence of seasoned campaigners will be key. Captain Ahmed Musa brings leadership and attacking threat, while midfield veteran Rabiu Ali remains pivotal in dictating tempo. Defender Mohammed Mukhtar and goalkeeper Abuchi are also expected to start, providing structure at the back.
Tactical Outlook and Final Thoughts
Matches between Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars have historically been tightly contested, with both teams known for their competitive edge and loyal fan bases. The outcome often hinges on midfield battles and styles of play which has been witnessed in recent games.
For 3SC, staying disciplined, organized and compact while exploiting spaces during transitions could prove decisive and converting chances will prove the difference. Kano Pillars, on the other hand, will look to assert dominance early with their direct style and experienced core in their fold.
A good result in Kano would mark a significant milestone for Shooting Stars, showing confidence and focus in competing consistently away from home.
Match Details
Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars SC
Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
Sunday, October 12, 2025
4:00 PM