Oluyole Warriors host Ochendo Boys in Ibadan

Shooting Stars welcome Abia Warriors to Ibadan on Sunday in a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 11 fixture, with both sides looking to build momentum and climb away from the lower half of the table.

The Oluyole Warriors are 15th on 12 points from 10 matches, with three wins, and they will take confidence from their home form. They secured a 3-1 victory over Ranchers Bees in Ibadan on Matchday nine, a result that gave them a psychological lift. Their problems have come on the road, where they lost 2-0 to Kun Khalifat, so the support of their home fans will be important.

Abia Warriors are a difficult side to beat, but they are 16th on 10 points from 10 matches, with only two wins.

They held league leaders Rivers United to a 0-0 draw away from home on Matchday eight, and they drew 1-1 at home with Kwara United on Matchday nine. Both results showed an organised side that can frustrate stronger opponents, although they have been short of goals.

That contrast sets up an interesting contest. 3SC will want to make home advantage count and win again at the venue, while Abia Warriors will try to repeat the discipline they showed against the league’s best defence and take something from the trip.

Both clubs will see the game as a chance to move up the table as the season takes shape, and a home win would give 3SC a valuable boost.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories