NPFL: Ikorodu City promise Shooting Stars a derby to remember

Nigeria Premier Football League debutant, Ikorodu City FC are promising a derby game made for history books on Sunday when they host Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their first ever derby game in their debut season in the competition.

The Oga Boys have turned their Mobolaji Johnson Arena home ground a fortress and have won their last three home games, scoring nine times and have conceded just twice.

The Ikorodu-based side are eager to continue in their giant-killing stride by condemning the visitors to their fifth straight away defeat but are not unmindful of the fact that derby games are unpredictable and forms play no role in deciding the outcome.

‘Let’s be honest—there’s plenty of reason to feel good about this one. Shooting Stars have struggled on the road, picking up just one point all season and that came way back on Matchday 1 against Nasarawa United. Since then, they’ve scored only once away from home—that same match—and have conceded seven goals across their travels.

‘For us, who’ve been ruthless at home, especially in front of goal, that’s definitely something to get excited about.

‘But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Derbies have a way of throwing up surprises and we know better than to underestimate any team, especially for a team that ended El Kanemi Warriors’ run of 10 games without defeat. We’ll stay focused, respect the game and let our football do the talking,’ the club wrote on their matchday programme.

Team captain, Waliu Ojetoye, also knows what is at stake but has promised they will make the fans happy by winning on Sunday.
‘Playing Shooting Stars, it’s a southwest derby but we are not under any unnecessary pressure. We will bring the same energy from our last games into it.

‘We know what the fans are expecting and we will do our best to make them happy just as we have been doing previously

Midfielder Kelechi Onwe is still out for the Oga Boys as he works on his rehabilitation and personal training while goalkeeper Chinemerem Olughu is dealing with a slight knock, so he’s a doubt for this one. Moses Shodeinde won’t be available either.