Shooting Stars Sports Club have sought to boost supporters’ confidence ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 18 fixture against Niger Tornadoes, assuring fans of comprehensive security arrangements for the last match of the year in Ibadan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Oluyole Warriors will host the Ikon Allah Boys on Sunday (today) at the Lekan Salami Stadium, in the penultimate fixture of the first stanza, with expectations of a large festive turnout.
Speaking to 3SCFansTV, the head of matchday stewards, Iba Faruku, said security planning for home games remained robust, with special attention given to the Niger Tornadoes clash.
He explained that measures had been reinforced to ensure a safe environment for supporters attending the fixture.
“There is adequate security for everybody ahead of the game against Niger Tornadoes,” Faruku said, adding that arrangements at the Lekan Salami Stadium were designed to guarantee safety during NPFL matches.
“We are aware that there will be a massive fan turnout because of the festive period, so we are well prepared.”
Beyond security, the fixture also carries significant sporting importance for Shooting Stars.
Club chairman, Taiwo Salami, described the game as a must-win as the season approaches its midpoint.
He admitted the challenge posed by the visitors but expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
“The feelings around the camp are positive as everybody is enthusiastic that we are going to do well this weekend,” Salami said.
“It’s not going to be an easy game because Tornadoes are also a good side, we are going to give all we have as it’s a must-win game for us.”
Shooting Stars will take confidence from last season’s meeting in Ibadan, where they defeated Niger Tornadoes 3–1, with Ayodeji Bamidele, Anthony Okachi and Samuel Okon on target, while Sunday Williams scored for the visitors.
Forward Austin Onyeamechi also voiced optimism ahead of the clash, insisting the squad is focused on securing another positive result.
“We are working towards our next game against Niger Tornadoes this weekend, hopefully we will get a victory in the game,” he told the club’s media.
With security assurances in place and confidence high within the camp, Shooting Stars will hope the year-end curtain raiser for the fans in Ibadan delivers both a safe spectacle for them as they travel to Aba to face nine-time champions Enyimba in the last match of the year.
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