Numerous local rivalries that have endured for years on are held in high regard by fans all across the world. In England, the Merseyside Derby has sparked fierce competition between Liverpool and Everton since 1962. In Italy, the Milan Derby has seen Inter Milan and AC Milan lock horns since 1902.And in Spain, the El Clásico stands out, with Real Madrid facing off against Barcelona, their fiercest sporting and political rival. Rivalries of the sort have likewise animated the Nigeria Premier Football League since its establishment in 1972.
This is particularly the case with rivalries among clubs in Nigeria’s southwestern region, including MFM FC, Sunshine Stars, Remo Stars and new club Sporting Lagos.
Between 2017 and 2022, MFM FC of Lagos and Sunshine Stars of Ondo state were the two Southwestern teams with consistent appearances in the league. They played each other 10 times , resulting in 22 goals scored. MFM FC emerged victorious four times, while Sunshine Stars secured three wins, with both teams playing out a draw three times. Their fierce encounters culminated in Sunshine Stars’ 2-1 win on June 22, 2022.
But in 2022, MFM transitioned to the Nigeria National League, making way for three new teams: Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos, and Shooting Stars. This change has injected even more competition and excitement into the South Western Derby. The addition of Remo Stars and Shooting Stars has set the stage for thrilling showdowns, with a particularly enticing match scheduled for today.
Remo Stars vs. Shooting Stars
The rivalry between Remo Stars and Shooting Stars dates back to 2017. That year, both teams were relegated to the Nigeria National League. Their rivalry is sustained by the proximity of their home cities, Ibadan and Ikenne respectively, which are 77.4 kilometers apart.. In the 2022 season of the NPFL, Remo Stars narrowly defeated Shooting Stars by a lone goal in Ikenne. The second leg, held in Ibadan, ended in a draw. Last season, Remo Stars celebrated a 2-0 victory in front of their home crowd, capping off their NPFL battles with a 1-1 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Since 2017, the head-to-head record between the two teams stands at 4 draws and 2 wins for Remo Stars in six matches played.
Game Preview
Today, by 4pm WAT at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikene, the clash between Remo Stars and Shooting Stars promises to be an exhilarating affair. Both teams squared off in two preseason tournaments before the season began. At the Naija Super 8 in Lagos, Remo Stars, led by the likes of Andy Okpe, Boniface Nwaeze, and Samuel Aneke, triumphed with a 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars. In the ValueJet Tournament, Shooting Stars retaliated, securing a 3-0 win.
Today’s game presents a showdown between two of Nigeria’s best coaching minds: Gbenga Ogunbote of Shooting Stars and Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars. Ogunbote, also known as the Oracle, returns to his old stomping ground, where he previously helped stabilize Remo Stars’ ship in the 2021 season. He now seeks to secure victory for his current team, as Shooting Stars haven’t won an NPFL game against Remo Stars since 2017.
In the current season, Shooting Stars have secured a point away from home, in a game against Akwa United, and sit second in the table after a comeback win against Doma United over the weekend. Remo Stars, on the other hand, earned their first away point with a 2-1 win against Bayelsa United. They won their last NPFL game , beating Sporting Lagos in a thrilling derby.
Tactics
Shooting Stars, under Ogunbote, have deployed a fluid 4-3-3 formation. In attack, they shift to a 3-2-5 formation, with a midfield trio consisting of Alex Aghaowa, Malomo Taofeek, and Ayobami Junior controlling the tempo. Wing-backs Olawale Mutiu and Muritala Taiye play an instrumental role.
Player to Watch: Among several standout players, team captain Malomo Taofeek stands out for his midfield leadership and creative abilities.
Remo Stars, managed by Ogunmodede, favor a 3-5-2 formation, allowing Jide Fatokun or Dayo Ojo to initiate the build-up. This setup enables wing-backs to surge forward and put pressure on the opposition fullbacks. Expect a strong focus on possession, driven by Coach Daniel’s Ija ball philosophy.
Player to Watch: Keep an eye on Dayo Ojo, known for his dangerous and precise inswinging deliveries into the opposition’s box.
The South Western Derby is more than a football match; it’s a battle for bragging rights, precious points, and immense pride. Make sure not to miss this thrilling encounter.