Shooting Stars, Rangers renew rivalry

TRADITIONAL rivals Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Rangers of Enugu clash today in an all-important Nigeria Premier League fixture slated for the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Rangers are on course to break their title jinx since 1984 as they are currently leading the table but will find no enthusiast in the Shooting Stars who have suddenly recovered a devastating home form.

The last time out, the Shooting Stars routed former champions, Kano Pillars 4-0 in Ibadan, a dire warning to Rangers.

However, Rangers too are on a three-match unbeaten run and are bound to count on this current form for survival.

The match is made more intense by the presence of players who in recent seasons have swapped camp between both sides so they both understand what is to come for the game.

Both teams are also handled by seasoned coaches- Gbenga Ogunbote for Shooting Stars and Imama Amakapabor for Rangers.

Meanwhile, 3SC forward, Ifegwu Ojukwu has said Rangers are merely coming to Ibadan for sightseeing.

“Of course, Enugu Rangers are merely coming to Ibadan for sightseeing as we are damn ready to turn them back empty-handed in the NPFL clash.

“Rangers are league leaders and will want to claim the whole three points or point to further boost their chances of winning the league crown but we will not allow them the luxury.

“We need the points more than Rangers to further secure our comfort on the league log.

“Any attempt on our part to drop points in the encounter will certainly spell doom for us.

“So Rangers will certainly try their luck in the clash but we will turn them back empty-handed.

“Of course, I hope to score to up my goal tally but the key for us in the crucial match is the whole three points at stake,” said the former Ikorodu United marksman to Supersport.com.

The Oluyole Warlords are 14th on the table with 41 points.