Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL26) sees Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) travel to Enugu for a highly anticipated clash against Rangers International FC.
The fixture is set for Sunday, November 9, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM at the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, fondly known as The Cathedral.
This encounter brings together two of the league’s most storied clubs, setting the stage for a contest rich in history, intensity, and footballing quality.
The Oluyole Warriors head into this fixture determined to bounce back after a 1–1 home draw against Katsina United on Matchday 11. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, we were unable to find a winner, a result that left both positives and lessons for the team.
Under Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, Shooting Stars continue to show attacking fluidity, structure, and intent. The focus now shifts to turning those strong performances into maximum points on the road.
For the hosts, Rangers International, currently 13th on the NPFL table, also come into this tie off the back of a draw against El-Kanemi Warriors. Under Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Flying Antelopes remain a tough side to beat at home, known for their quick transitions, structured pressing, and ability to make The Cathedral a fortress.
Shooting Stars will continue to assess a few players ahead of the trip to Enugu:
Samuel Okon remains doubtful after sustaining a knock against Wikki Tourists.
Promise Awosanmi and Ayodele Ismail are nursing injuries and will face late fitness tests.
Joshua Akpan is close to full recovery but may not be match-fit yet.
Alex Aghahowa has returned to full training and is available for selection.
Desmond Ojietefian has rejoined the squad and could feature in the matchday lineup.
Despite these concerns, the squad remains balanced and dangerous going forward. Ekeocha Chukwudi, who scored his first goal for the club last weekend, will look to build on that momentum. The duo of Qamar Adegoke and Sodiq Ibrahim provide pace and directness in attack, while midfielders Tunde Azeez and Tijani Kabir continue to anchor the team’s rhythm and transitions.
Rangers International will look to their key players to make a difference in front of their home crowd.
Striker Godwin Obaje leads the line, supported by fullback Kalu Ogbonda, who provides both defensive cover and attacking width. Chidiebere Wisdom adds energy and balance in midfield, linking defense with attack effectively.
The Flying Antelopes are expected to adopt a fluid attacking approach at home, blending possession play with sharp movement, but they’ll also be wary of 3SC’s ability to counter quickly and exploit spaces.
Shooting Stars SC:
Expect a disciplined, compact setup focused on frustrating Rangers and striking effectively on the counter. Quick transitions, wide movements, and intelligent set-piece execution could be key to breaking through. Midfield control and balance will play a vital role in linking defense to attack.
Rangers Int’l FC:
Likely to dominate possession, with overlapping fullbacks and sharp midfield combinations stretching 3SC’s shape. They’ll seek to maintain tempo, press high, and create overloads in wide areas to sustain attacking pressure.
Shooting Stars: Unbeaten at home this season but looking to rediscover their edge away. The last two games (a loss and a draw) have shown promise but underlined the need for more clinical finishing.
Rangers: Sitting 13th on the log, solid at home under Ilechukwu’s disciplined system, and difficult to break down in Enugu.
A win on the road would serve as a massive boost for the Oluyole Warriors, reigniting momentum and confidence as the team pushes toward the top end of the NPFL table.
Fixture: Rangers Int’l FC vs Shooting Stars SC
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Kickoff: 4:00 PM
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