EUROMATCH NPFL: 3SC seek revival against Ranchers Bees after five-match winless run

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will attempt to end a five-match winless run when they host Ranchers Bees in Friday’s Matchday 9 EUROMATCH NPFL fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors have endured a difficult start to the campaign, recording two wins, two draws and four defeats from their opening eight matches. That return has left them 17th in the table on eight points, with pressure growing around the club.

Their poor results have also created tension among supporters in Ibadan. Technical Adviser Salisu Yusuf was booed by fans following recent matches, prompting the club’s management, led by Executive Chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, to convene a stakeholders meeting in an effort to ease concerns.

Defender Adelowo Gbolagade has called for patience from the supporters, acknowledging the anger and disappointment generated by the team’s current run.

“We know this is a difficult moment, and we understand your anger, disappointment and frustration,” he wrote. “We are not giving up... Your support means everything to us.”

3SC’s opponents are also struggling for consistency. Newly promoted Ranchers Bees sit one place above them in 16th, likewise with eight points from eight games. Their record is identical to Shooting Stars’ two victories, two draws and four losses although they have scored nine goals so far.

The meeting therefore brings together two sides with the same points tally and similar records as they look to move away from the lower reaches of the table.

For Shooting Stars, however, the home fixture carries added importance. Victory would give them the chance to halt their slide, improve confidence and avoid becoming further embroiled in the relegation battle.

The match also comes before a demanding sequence of fixtures for the Oluyole Warriors, which includes games against Enyimba and Kano Pillars. A positive result against Ranchers Bees would provide relief after their recent struggles and offer a platform for the team to approach those challenges with greater confidence.

Both clubs will be aiming to convert their home and away form respectively into a much-needed result, but 3SC will have the advantage of playing in front of their supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium.