MATCH PREVIEW: SHOOTING STARS SC vs RANGERS INT'L FC

The historic rivalry between Shooting Stars SC and Rangers International FC will be reignited on Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Professional Football League. A fixture deeply rooted in the golden eras of the 1980s and 1990s, this clash, often dubbed the “perennial rivalry”.

The historic rivalry between Shooting Stars SC and Rangers International FC will be reignited on Matchday 32 of the Nigeria Professional Football League. A fixture deeply rooted in the golden eras of the 1980s and 1990s, this clash, often dubbed the “perennial rivalry” promises intensity, pride, and high stakes. The encounter is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium. For the Oluyole Warriors, currently pushing for a continental ticket, victory would significantly boost their ambitions of securing a top-three finish. For Rangers, league leaders at this stage, this is a defining moment, one that could bring them within touching distance of the NPFL title with just six games remaining. Earlier this season, Rangers edged the reverse fixture 1–0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, courtesy of a decisive strike from Chidozie Iwundu. However, memories of last season’s 5–1 humiliation in Ibadan still linger, a result that shocked their supporters on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign. TACTICAL ANALYSIS ATTACK Shooting Stars SC Shooting Stars have been fairly productive in attack this season, registering 32 goals. Their offensive structure revolves around Ibrahim Sodiq, one of their standout performers, supported by creative outlets such as Ayobami Junior and Kabir Tijani. Their approach is largely transition-based, quick, direct, and heavily reliant on wing play rather than prolonged possession. This style allows them to exploit spaces rapidly, especially against teams that commit numbers forward. Rangers Int’l FC Rangers have been more prolific, netting 38 goals so far, with Godwin Obaje leading the line with 11 goals. Much like their opponents, Rangers favor verticality, quick transitions and direct attacking movements over slow build-up play. Their ability to convert transitions into goals has been a major strength this season. DEFENCE Shooting Stars SC Defensively, Shooting Stars have struggled for consistency, conceding 34 goals, two more than they have scored. The centre-back pairing of Desmond Ojietefian and Tijani Al Amen will be tested severely against Rangers’ experienced attacking unit. Rangers Int’l FC Rangers boast the most solid defence in the league, conceding just 21 goals, the best defensive record in the NPFL this season. With key figures like Chibueze Oputa, Chidozie Iwundu, and Kenneth Igboke anchoring the backline, they have shown resilience, organization, and discipline. Their primary task will be containing the attacking threat of Ibrahim Sodiq and Ayobami Junior. FORM GUIDE (LAST 10 MATCHES) Shooting Stars SC W – L – L – W – L – W – L – W – W – L Rangers Int’l FC W – W – L – W – D – W – W – W – D – W HEAD-TO-HEAD (LAST 5 MEETINGS) Rangers 1–0 Shooting Stars Shooting Stars 5–1 Rangers Rangers 0–1 Shooting Stars Shooting Stars 1–0 Rangers Rangers 2–0 Shooting Stars TEAM NEWS Shooting Stars SC Samuel Okon remains sidelined as he continues rehabilitation, while Ganiyu Wasiu is progressing in recovery. Gali Falke is managing an ankle issue, and Awosanmi Promise is yet to regain full fitness. Austin Onyemaechi will provide width, while Emmanuel Ohiobe and Adams Mustapha remain key attacking outlets, with Timitimi Ineikade offering depth. Rangers Int’l FC Kenechukwu Agu is unavailable due to injury, alongside Godwin Asiriuwa, Daniel Eni, and Ugwu Ugochukwu, who are all still in recovery. PLAYERS TO WATCH Shooting Stars SC Ibrahim Sodiq remains the focal point of their attack with 8 goals this season. Qamar Adegoke and Ayobami Junior are also key creative threats. Rangers Int’l FC Godwin Obaje and Chimaobi Igwilo are crucial for Rangers. Their goal contributions have played a vital role in the club’s title push. AS IT STANDS Shooting Stars currently sit 6th on the table with 47 points. A win could lift them as high as 4th, intensifying the race for continental qualification. Rangers, on the other hand, remain top of the log. A win or even a draw in Ibadan would strengthen their grip on first place, while a defeat could see them slip to second. This is more than just another NPFL fixture, it is a revival of one of Nigerian football’s fiercest rivalries. For Rangers, it is a step towards glory. For Shooting Stars, it is a fight for pride and a shot at continental football.