The upcoming NPFL match between Sporting Lagos and Shooting Stars is set to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams having much to fight for. Sporting Lagos, the league’s newcomers, are in the relegation zone and desperately need an away win to secure their place in the NPFL. On the other hand, Shooting Stars are eyeing a win in hopes of either playing in next season’s CAF Champions League – if Remo Stars and Enyimba suffer defeats in their respective games – or in the second-tier CAF Confederations Cup.
In a bid to turn up the volume on their fight against relegation, Sporting Lagos are firing up their fan base. To add a sea of blue and yellow to the stands at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the club will be ferrying its supporters to the crucial match against Shooting Stars. The hype starts early, with the bus pulling out of the Onikan Police Station parking lot in Lagos at noon.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers will be crowned champions when they meet relegated Gombe United on Sunday at 3pm on neutral ground in Jos. The match will be televised live on StarTimes Beta Sports Channel 244.
Despite staring down the relegation barrel, Sporting Lagos are refusing to go down without a fight. They’ve shown flickers of hope in recent games, finding the net in their last three outings resulting in a win, a draw, and a loss. Their away form has been a concern, though, with no wins on the road this season, which they must overturn to avoid relegation.
Shooting Stars are positioned for a continental ticket but need a win and hope that Remo Stars suffer defeat at home against Katsina United and Enyimba drop points at home against a Plateau United side desirous of a win that will push them into next season’s CAF Confederations Cup. Shooting Stars, the first Nigerian team to win a CAF club competition, have been formidable at home, winning their last nine home games and not conceding in those matches.
Sporting Lagos are expected to shed their skin and strike like a cobra – all fangs out and on the attack – in their desperate bid for three points. Shooting Stars are likely to capitalise on their strong home form and will aim to keep a tight defence while exploiting Sporting Lagos’ vulnerabilities.
The match is predicted to be tense, with Shooting Stars favoured to win. However, the pressure of relegation may galvanise Sporting Lagos to put up a formidable fight.
