NPFL MATCHDAY 14 SHOWDOWN: KWARA UNITED, 3SC SET FOR FIREWORKS IN ILORIN
Kwara United and Shooting Stars Sports Club are set to light up the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl on Sunday as both sides clash in a highly anticipated NPFL Matchday 14 encounter. With both teams eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, fans can expect tension, tactics, and top-tier football in Ilorin.
Shooting Stars arrive with determination after a slim away defeat to Rangers and the postponement of their Remo Stars fixture. The Oluyole Warriors, who have maintained an impressive tactical identity this season—balancing defensive discipline with fluid attacking transitions—will be desperate to restore their winning edge.
Their recent run has produced mixed fortunes: a 1–1 draw against Katsina United and a narrow loss to Rangers. Head coach Nurudeen Aweroro is aiming to reignite the momentum that saw 3SC climb early-season charts.
Kwara United, sitting mid-table, return home after a 2–0 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors and a 1–1 draw with Nasarawa United. The Harmony Boys are focused on re-establishing their dominance in Ilorin, where they traditionally hold a strong advantage.
TEAM NEWS: BOOSTS AND SETBACKS FOR 3SC
Shooting Stars received positive fitness updates ahead of the tie:
- Samuel Okon has undergone successful Achilles tendon surgery and begun rehabilitation.
- Joshua Akpan is still working toward full match sharpness.
- Awosanmi Promise, Ayodele Ismail, and Alex Aghahowa have all returned to full training, with Aghahowa in contention for his first start of the season.
In midfield, Ayobami Junior is expected to dictate tempo, while the backline remains largely unchanged. The attacking unit will once again rely on the energy and direct threat of Sodiq Ibrahim, with Adams Mustapha pushing strongly for a starting role.
THE OPPONENT: HARMONY BOYS LOOK TO RESET
Kwara United will lean heavily on Babatunde Sikiru to spearhead their attack, with full-back Yahaya Ibrahim offering defensive steel and offensive width. Creative midfielder Toyeeb Gidado remains vital in ball progression and unlocking tight defenses.
The Harmony Boys are expected to remain compact, striking on the counter and maximizing set-piece opportunities.
TACTICAL BATTLE ON THE CARDS
Shooting Stars are expected to press early, stretch the play, and move the ball sharply in the final third. Converting early chances will be crucial against Kwara United’s typically disciplined setup.
Kwara United, on their part, will aim to slow down 3SC’s buildup, absorb pressure, and hit on the break. With both teams hungry for points and upward mobility on the log, the game promises a strategic, high-stakes showdown.
MATCH DETAILS:
- Fixture: Kwara United vs Shooting Stars SC
- Venue: Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, Ilorin
- Date: Sunday, 23rd November 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM
All roads lead to Ilorin as fans brace for an NPFL thriller.