The Lekan Salami Stadium will take center stage on Sunday as Shooting Stars SC lock horns with Ikorodu City in the first South-West derby of the NPFL season.

Both teams are chasing their first win of the campaign, setting this up as a high-stakes clash with bragging rights firmly on the line.

Form Check

Shooting Stars arrive on the back of a gutsy 1-1 draw away at Bendel Insurance — a result that showcased resilience and flashes of quality under coach Nurudeen Aweroro. The Oluyole Warriors will now look to use home advantage to register their first victory of the season.

Ikorodu City, meanwhile, have had two cagey outings: a goalless draw in Ilorin against Kwara United and another stalemate at home to El-Kanemi Warriors. The Oga Boys need to prove they can score and win, especially away from home.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just any regular fixture. Ikorodu City frustrated 3SC in their last visit to Adamasingba, holding out for a 0-0 draw. That memory lingers with the home supporters, who will expect their side to flip the script this time around.

And with both teams yet to grab a win, this derby feels like the perfect stage for one of them to ignite their season.

Head-to-Head (League Meetings)

• 2 games played

• Ikorodu City: 1 win, 1 draw

• 3SC: 0 wins

History favors the visitors — another reason the Oluyole Warriors will be fired up.

Players in Focus

Shooting Stars SC

• Ismail Ayodele: The winger’s fearless dribbling and creativity make him a constant threat.

• Mustapha Lawal: The experienced goalkeeper’s shot-stopping will be vital in front of the home fans.

• Ayobami Junior: Expected to bring control and vision to the midfield battle.

• Adelowo Gbolagade: A commanding figure in defense, leading from the back.

Ikorodu City

• Shola Adelani: Direct and dangerous from the right flank, always a handful.

• Tosin Oyedokun: The skipper anchors midfield and dictates tempo.

• Junior Christian: Reliable in defense, physically dominant and composed.

• Michael Atata: Two clean sheets already this season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper.

Derby Layers

There’s extra spice to this matchup. Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, who once managed Ikorodu City, faces his old club for the first time since switching to Ibadan. On the other side, Ikorodu’s head coach was once his assistant, a subplot that adds even more needle to the occasion.

And let’s not forget: Ikorodu’s former director is now part of Shooting Stars’ management setup. Both dugouts and boardrooms have something to prove.

What Fans Can Expect

Expect a tense and tactical encounter, possibly decided by a moment of brilliance or a defensive lapse. The energy inside Adamasingba will be electric as the home crowd rallies behind the Oluyole Warriors.

Three points, local pride, and bragging rights are all at stake. Whoever holds their nerve will take more than just a win from this fixture.

Match Details

• Fixture: Shooting Stars SC vs Ikorodu City

• Competition: NPFL 2025/26 – Matchday 3

• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan

• Kick-off: 4:00 PM

• Live Coverage: Propel Web & NPFL Live App