The first South-West Derby of the NPFL 2025/26 season promises drama as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) prepare to host rivals, following a major restructuring of the team. Last season’s derby against Ikorodu City FC ended controversially, with fans attacking the visiting team at Lekan Salami Stadium, resulting in a ₦5 million fine for 3SC imposed by the NPFL. Nigerian Army operatives had to intervene to safely escort Ikorodu City officials and players out after a goalless draw.
This season, Shooting Stars are under new leadership. Nurudeen Aweroro, formerly Ikorodu City’s manager, has taken the reins alongside Tobi Samuel Adepoju, popularly known as “Oga Nla Media,” who joins as Sporting Director. Adepoju, one of the youngest directors in the league, had previously overseen Ikorodu City’s maiden NPFL campaign, guiding them to a respectable fourth-place finish and the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup.
The duo now aim to turn Shooting Stars into a dominant force at home. With a “new revolution” under their guidance, 3SC are keen to assert themselves in Ibadan, demonstrating ambition and tactical discipline after the previous derby chaos. All eyes will be on how this restructured side performs in what promises to be a compelling clash in the NPFL’s opening South-West derby.
Editorial
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We view the transformation at Shooting Stars as a bold statement about ambition and resilience. Aweroro and Adepoju bring both tactical acumen and youth, merging experience from Ikorodu City with fresh ideas for the Ibadan club.
The previous derby showed the league’s unpredictability and the intensity of regional rivalries. But now, with a carefully restructured squad and professional leadership, 3SC has the chance to channel passion into performance rather than controversy. Their management team embodies this shift Aweroro’s tactical nous and Adepoju’s innovative approach are designed to deliver stability, results, and long-term growth.
Watching this South-West derby, we anticipate not just a battle of players on the pitch, but a showcase of organisational vision off it. Shooting Stars’ fans should expect a team capable of winning with composure while continuing to raise standards for NPFL professionalism.
Did You Know?
- Ikorodu City’s fourth-place finish last season was their highest-ever NPFL league position in their debut top-flight campaign.
- Tobi Adepoju, at just 30, is among the youngest Sporting Directors in Nigerian top-flight football.
- Shooting Stars’ last derby against Ikorodu City ended in a ₦5 million fine due to fan violence.
- Nurudeen Aweroro guided Ikorodu City to the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup, losing to eventual finalists Abakaliki FC.
- The South-West Derby is one of the NPFL’s most fiercely contested fixtures, featuring clubs from Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, reflecting regional pride and intense rivalries.
