The Nigeria Premier Football League returns this weekend for Matchday 9, and all eyes will be on the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, where Shooting Stars Sports Club welcome high-flying Abia Warriors for what promises to be an exciting showdown.
The Sunday afternoon clash pits two in-form sides against each other. Abia Warriors, currently second on the table, face off with fifth placed 3SC, with both teams aiming to reinforce their top-half credentials. Expect a fiercely competitive fixture with quality on both sides of the pitch.
Form and Momentum:
3SC come into this fixture buoyed by a spirited 1–1 draw away to Kano Pillars, rescued by a dramatic 94th-minute equalizer. The Oluyole Warriors have been dominant at home, spurred on by the passionate Ibadan faithful who continue to light up Adamasingba every matchday. Coach Nurudeen Aweroro will be eager to see his side convert possession into goals more consistently.
Abia Warriors, managed by Imama Amapakabo, arrive in Ibadan fresh off a 2–0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Their counter attacking style has been impressive, but occasional defensive vulnerabilities on the road may offer opportunities for 3SC to capitalize.
Team News:
There are no new major injury concerns in the Shooting Stars camp – Alex Aghahowa and Desmond Ojietefian will be looking be a pair that might be returning soon. However, fans will be keeping a close eye on whether experienced forward Austin Onyemaechi will make his debut, a decision that ultimately lies with Coach Aweroro.
In goal, Mustapha Lawal is set to retain his starting spot, offering composure and reflexes between the posts. The defensive line will look to Ghali Falke and Ikouwem Utin for solidity, while the midfield engine room will again feature Ayobami Junior, for fluidity and ball progression.
In attack, Sodiq Ibrahim is expected to lead the line, flanked by the energetic Promise Awosanmi, with Ismail Ayodele and Agba’a Mustapha providing options for width and depth. Shining star Al-Ameen also remains one of the team’s biggest defensive weapons.
For Abia Warriors, veteran goalkeeper Okiemute Odah returns to Adamasingba for an emotional outing after departing two seasons ago. In midfield, Fatai Abdullahi stands out as a stabilizing figure, offering calm distribution and control. Keep an eye on Sunday Megwo and Kunle Adeleke who will be available for selection in the attacking third. The strike partnership of Suraj Lawal and Chukwuemeka Obioma is likely to lead the line, with their pace and movement designed to stretch the 3SC defense.
Tactical Outlook:
Shooting Stars are expected to stick to their high possession, progressive playing style, with a strong emphasis on midfield control and wing play. Coach Aweroro’s blueprint focuses on fluidity, tactical discipline, and converting key moments into results.
Abia Warriors, on the other hand, may approach the fixture with a more compact and reactive setup, aiming to frustrate the hosts and strike on the counter through their quick forwards.
A home victory would not only lift morale in the Shooting Stars camp but also push the team closer to the summit of the NPFL table as the season gathers momentum.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Shooting Stars SC vs Abia Warriors
- Competition: Nigeria Premier Football League (2025/26) – Matchday 9
- Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan
- Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 4:00 PM