Injury Concerns Hit Shooting Stars Ahead of Clash With El-Kanemi Warriors
Shooting Stars face a major selection headache ahead of their NPFL matchday 15 showdown against El-Kanemi Warriors, as four key players remain doubtful for Sunday’s encounter in Ibadan.
The quartet—Mustapha Lawal, Sodiq Ibrahim, Ganiyu Wasiu, and Gali Falke—will undergo late fitness tests after sustaining minor knocks in recent matches. Their availability could significantly influence coach Nurudeen Aweroro’s plans as the Oluyole Warriors look to end their frustrating four-game winless run.
However, there is a glimmer of relief for the 3SC faithful.
Forward Joshua Akpan has been declared fully fit and ready for action, a timely boost as the team prepares to host the Borno Army at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Shooting Stars will draw confidence from their last meeting with El-Kanemi, where they secured a commanding 3–0 victory last season, courtesy of goals from Samuel Ayanrinde, Mustapha Adams, and Aliyu Abubakar.
OPINION: A Perfect Test of Shooting Stars’ Mentality
This weekend’s fixture is more than a routine league match—it’s a character test for Shooting Stars.
The team’s four-game winless streak has raised questions about consistency, sharpness, and depth. With several key players doubtful, this match forces 3SC to rely less on individual brilliance and more on squad resilience and tactical discipline.
But here’s the silver lining:
Matches like this often bring out the hunger in teams, especially when playing at home in front of passionate Ibadan supporters.
Akpan’s return could be the spark the frontline desperately needs, but the bigger story will be how the team responds to adversity. If 3SC can grind out a win with a depleted squad, it sends a strong message to the rest of the league:
This team still has fight in them.
Sunday will reveal whether Shooting Stars are simply struggling—or gearing up for a strong resurgence.
