Remo, 3SC rekindle South West derby in Ikenne News

Remo Stars will face long-standing South West rivals Shooting Stars in a high-stakes matchday 33 encounter of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday, in a fixture that could prove decisive at both ends of the table, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Remo Stars, who reached the summit of Nigerian football with their maiden league title, now find themselves in unfamiliar territory, battling relegation in what has become one of the most unexpected downturns in recent NPFL history.

The Sky Blue Stars currently sit 17th, deep in the relegation zone, with pressure mounting as the season enters its decisive phase.

In contrast, Shooting Stars have experienced a remarkable resurgence. The Oluyole Warriors, who struggled in mid-table last term, are now firmly in contention for continental qualification, sitting on 50 points after 32 matches, just four points short of their entire tally from last season’s 38-game campaign.

Their transformation has positioned them as one of the most improved teams in the league this term.

The significance of Sunday’s derby extends far beyond regional pride. For Remo Stars, it represents a crucial opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone and avoid the embarrassment of being relegated to the Nigeria National League.

For Shooting Stars, the stakes are equally high, as they seek to maintain momentum in their pursuit of a place in CAF inter-club competitions next season.

Head-to-head records suggest a psychological advantage for the hosts. Since their first meeting in 2017, Shooting Stars have managed just two victories in 11 NPFL encounters between the sides.

Their rivalry began with a 1-1 draw before both teams were relegated to the lower division. Upon their return to the top flight in 2022, Remo asserted dominance with a 1-0 victory in Ikenne, followed by a 2-0 win in January 2023 and an emphatic 3-0 triumph later that year.

Shooting Stars eventually secured their first win in the fixture in March 2024, but Remo regained control in subsequent meetings.

The Ikenne side recorded a 2-0 victory at home in November 2024 and followed it up with a significant 1-0 win in Ibadan, a result that formed part of their title-winning campaign.

However, the most recent meeting between the sides saw a shift in momentum, with the Ibadan club claiming a narrow 1-0 victory during Remo’s slump, underlining the unpredictable nature of the derby.

Form heading into the contest adds another layer of intrigue. Remo Stars endured a difficult spell earlier in the season, going seven matches without a win, which included five defeats. However, they have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks, losing just once in their last five games.

During that period, they secured home victories against Kwara United, Nasarawa United, and Katsina United, while also earning a valuable 1-1 draw away to El-Kanemi Warriors in Bauchi. Their only setback came against title contenders Enugu Rangers.

That resurgence, particularly at home, will offer encouragement to coach Usman Abd’Allah, whose side will be looking to capitalise on familiar surroundings and strong historical performances in this fixture as the Remo Stars Stadium has often proven a difficult venue for visiting teams, especially in derby encounters.

Shooting Stars, meanwhile, arrive with a contrasting concern. Despite their impressive position on the table, their away form has been poor, with seven consecutive defeats on the road.

That run threatens to undermine their push for continental qualification and will be a key factor as they prepare for a challenging trip to Ikenne.

With both teams facing defining moments in their respective campaigns, today’s encounter promises to be tense and fiercely contested.

Remo Stars will be driven by the urgency of survival, while Shooting Stars will aim to overcome their away struggles and sustain their charge towards the top end of the table.