Following a three-week mid-season break, the NPFL is back, and match-day 20 brings an exciting southwest derby between Sunshine Stars and Ikorodu City.
Sunshine Stars will host the ambitious newcomers at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Despite facing challenges such as a managerial change and finding consistency, the team is looking to turn their fortunes around, currently sitting in 16th place just above the relegation zone.
New coach Bala Abubakar remains optimistic that a strong start to the second half will boost the team’s confidence.
Abubakar is mindful of the challenges ahead but is dedicated to ensuring the team kicks off this new phase positively. “We are focused on starting the second leg with a promising victory. This first match will set the tone for our second stanza,” he stated.
In the first half of the season, Sunshine Stars scored only 13 goals, one of the league’s lowest tallies. Nonetheless, Abubakar is optimistic that their goal-scoring concerns are being addressed, particularly after observing improvements in recent friendly matches. “We’ve made strides in our finishing and believe that, as we enter this second round, we will see an increase in our goal tally. Our team is stronger and more formidable now,” he asserted.
Recall that Ikorodu City finished the first stanza of the NPFL sitting on the 6th spot and they are expected to maintain their strong performance to ensure they avoid relegation.
After achieving two wins and a draw in the southwest derby during the first half of the season, they aim to build momentum and continue their successful debut in the top flight.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers defender Austin Opara has underlined the necessity of thorough preparation as the team heads into the more competitive second half of the 2024-2025 NPFL season.
The reigning NPFL champions are set to face Niger Tornadoes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Saturday.
Opara acknowledges that their opponents will be motivated to secure an upset, but Rangers are focused on starting the second round positively after their previous 1-0 victory over the same team. He expressed confidence in their ability to maintain their strong performance in Enugu while continuing their title challenge.
“It would be a difficult second stanza, but we have our work cut out, which is to ensure that we make Enugu a fortress and as Tornadoes visit,” Opara stated.
“Niger Tornadoes would want to get something from the game but we are focused on starting the second round on a good note.
“I believe we have what it takes to effectively challenge for the title again.”
In transfer news, Ismail Sarki has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career by joining Niger Tornadoes for the second half of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The 22-year-old winger, previously with former NPFL champions Enyimba, showcased his skills at Bendel Insurance before this transfer.
During his time with Enyimba, Sarki made seven league appearances and contributed to four CAF Confederation Cup matches.