MATCH PREVIEW
Ikorodu City FC vs Shooting Stars SC
The Nigeria Premier Football League serves up another Southwest Derby as we travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City FC in a highly anticipated Matchday 23 fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Derby encounters are often defined by intensity, pride, and fine margins, and this fixture is expected to be no different, with local bragging rights and valuable league points on the line.
With the first instalment of this fixture earlier in the season ending in a one-all draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium last September, this encounter is delicately poised and carries added importance for both sides as we look to consolidate our position on the league table.
Form Guide
We head into the derby buoyed by a hard-fought 1–0 home victory over Bendel Insurance on Matchday 22. With momentum building, we will be looking to carry our recent form onto the road, relying on experience, discipline, and organisation in what promises to be a demanding atmosphere.
Ikorodu City have been difficult to break down this season, particularly at home, where they thrive on energy, physicality, and quick transitions. They come into the fixture following a 1–0 away defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors on Matchday 22 and will be keen to respond positively in front of their supporters.
Team News
Shooting Stars SC
Most of our squad remains available after a productive week of training and improving fitness levels.
Ganiyu Wasiu and Adams Mustapha remain sidelined with knocks, while Samuel Okon continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles tendon injury.
Ayodele Ismail returns to contention. In attack, Awosanmi Promise and Joshua Akpan are expected to provide width, with Ayobami Junior orchestrating play. Sodiq Ibrahim and Lucky Emmanuel are set to continue leading the line, while new signing Alade Balogun is also in contention for a matchday role.
Ikorodu City FC
Ikorodu City will rely on Kelechi Onwe in midfield for ball recovery and quick transitions, while Joseph Arumala remains a key attacking threat out wide.
Defensively, Junior Christian anchors the backline with authority, and Folarin Temitope offers directness and one-on-one quality on the flank.
Tactical Outlook
We are expected to approach the contest with a compact and disciplined setup, focusing on defensive organisation, controlled build-up play, and swift transitions, particularly through the wide areas.
Ikorodu City are likely to press aggressively, lean on physicality, and exploit the flanks with direct play. Midfield control and decision-making in key moments could prove decisive in a tightly contested derby.
As the season enters a crucial phase, every point is vital. We will aim to extend our positive run and make a statement away from home, while Ikorodu City will look to defend their turf and claim derby honours.
Match Details
Date: Thursday, 28 January 2026
Time: 4:00pm
Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos
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