NPFL Preview: Kwara United to tackle Shooting Stars in Ibadan
The NPFL Matchday 8 encounters between Kwara United and Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan has gained a lot of momentum – given the circumstances around it.
Expectedly, It’s going to be a technical and tactical battle on Wednesday at the refurbished Lekan Salami Adamasingba Stadium and like every other matches, stakes has to be protected within the confines of the rules of the game.
Recall the match was postponed from Sunday due to the death of the General Manager of Shooting Stars, Rasheed Balogun who died last week Thursday. According to a club statement, the 70-year-old football administrator died after a protracted illness.
While the home side would be poised to gain redemption in the wake of their struggling form, the visitors are also keen to change the narrative in Ibadan in the view of the History book.
According to Kwara United club records, 3SC and Harmony boys have met 9 times in competitive football- Oluyole Warriors has won on four occasions, lost three times to the Kwara team with the other two ties ending in draw.
It’s been a poor run of form for the Ibadan-based side with only one win out of their last seven games. The team with six points from a possible 21 has had the cause to justify the investments of the Oyo State goverment while the Ibadan fans are already growing impatient.
For Coach Edith Agoye, the encounter against Harmony boys tomorrow will be his second game under the three-match ultimatum given to him by the club management.
Shooting Stars lost 2 nil to Niger Tornadoes in their last game- a result which has further sent them to rock bottom of the table- 19th on the log.
With a possible shake-up of club management already on the lips of the government, Agoye would also have to throw in his aces to secure a win if he has to keep his job. At least, a win tomorrow might douse the tension in Ibadan with a drop of ecstasy that could momentarily erase the grief of their departed General Manager.
Coach Abdullahi Biffo of Kwara United has reportedly told his Club media that, “Shooting Stars are not a bad side and we are going to Ibadan to play our game and hope we get the three points at the end of the 90 minutes.”
Kwara United who recorded a 1 nil slim victory over Kano Pillars in their last game currently occupies 9th position on the log with 11 points to their credit.
In the season under review, Kwara United has won three of their last seven games, a draw against Rangers International at Ilorin and Abia Warriors away from home with two separate defeats against Plateau United and Rivers United.
Meanwhile, the LMC has directed that a minute silence should be held before the game in honour of late Balogun while players and officials are also expected to put on a black band in their hands for the game- It’s indeed a match to watch out for.
