Remo Stars will host South West rivals Shooting Stars today in a crucial matchday 33 fixture of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The encounter comes at a decisive stage of the campaign, with both teams battling for contrasting objectives at opposite ends of the table.
Remo Stars, who emerged champions last season, have endured a difficult title defence and now find themselves in the relegation zone. The Ikenne-based side currently sit 17th and are under pressure to secure vital points as the season approaches its final stretch.
In contrast, Shooting Stars have enjoyed a strong resurgence this term and are firmly in contention for continental qualification. The Ibadan club have accumulated 50 points from 32 matches and remain in the race for a place in next season’s CAF inter-club competitions.
Today’s South West derby carries significant importance beyond regional rivalry. For Remo Stars, it presents an opportunity to boost their survival hopes and move out of the bottom three, while Shooting Stars will aim to strengthen their push for a top finish.
Head-to-head records favour the hosts, with Remo Stars dominating recent meetings between both sides, particularly in Ikenne. However, Shooting Stars claimed a narrow win in their last encounter, highlighting the competitive nature of the fixture.
Remo Stars head into the match with improved form, having lost just once in their last five games, including a series of positive results at home. Their recent performances have provided some optimism as they attempt to avoid relegation.
Shooting Stars, meanwhile, will be concerned about their away record, having struggled on the road in recent matches. That weakness could prove a key factor as they face a resurgent Remo side.
With both teams facing defining moments in their respective campaigns, today’s fixture is expected to be closely contested as the battle for survival and continental qualification intensifies.
