MATCH PREVIEW
A Historic Rivalry to Close the Year
We round off the year on the road with a Matchday 19 encounter against Enyimba FC in Aba. It is a fixture steeped in history and rivalry, as two of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs meet with important NPFL points on the line at the Enyimba International Stadium.
Form Guide
We head into this clash boosted by renewed confidence following our hard-fought 2–1 home victory over Niger Tornadoes. That result marked another positive step as we continue our push for consistency and upward movement on the NPFL table.
Enyimba, currently 9th on the standings, will be eager to respond after a narrow 3–2 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors. Backed by their home crowd, the Aba-based side will be determined to bounce back and secure maximum points.
Team News – Shooting Stars SC
We continue to manage a few fitness concerns within the squad. Ghali Falke, Sodiq Ibrahim, Mustapha Lawal, and Adams Mustapha remain sidelined, while Ekeocha Chukwudi has returned to training and is building match readiness.
Midfield control will be key, with Tunde Azeez and Stephen Amos expected to dictate tempo and drive play. Out wide, Ayodele Ismail’s pace and direct threat, combined with Ayobami Junior’s creativity, will be central to our attacking approach.
Up front, Qamar Adegoke and Chukwudi Okoro are both in contention for a starting role, while Joshua Akpan will be hoping for minutes after making the matchday squad in our last home fixture.
Team News – Enyimba FC
Enyimba will rely on their key players to make home advantage count. Ezekiel Edidiong and Joseph Atule offer pace and width out wide, while Chidera Michael remains a consistent goal threat through intelligent movement and finishing. At the back, Pascal Eze provides leadership and organisation, ensuring defensive stability.
Tactical Outlook
We will look to remain balanced and composed, controlling possession and moving the ball quickly when openings appear. Defensive discipline and compactness will be vital, particularly against Enyimba’s physical and fast-paced attacking play. Organisation, concentration, and game management will be crucial, especially in the early stages.
Enyimba are expected to lean on physical strength, a compact defensive shape, and quick counter-attacks. Playing at home, they will aim to absorb pressure and break forward with speed and purpose.
What’s at Stake
This encounter promises to be intense, tactical, and closely contested. For us, it presents an opportunity to end the year with a strong statement on the road. For Enyimba, the focus will be on asserting home dominance and securing valuable points. It is a fitting fixture to close the first round of the NPFL 2025/26 season ahead of the January transfer window.
Match Details
Fixture: Enyimba FC vs Shooting Stars SC
Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
Kick-off: 4:00 PM
Venue: Enyimba International Stadium, Aba
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