3SC, Nasarawa lock horns in Ibadan for continental spot

Shooting Stars SC will welcome Nasarawa United to the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday in a crucial Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 36 encounter that could shape the race for continental qualification, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

With only three matches remaining, both sides are separated by just one point, leaving little room for error as the season reaches its decisive stage.

Shooting Stars sit fifth with 54 points from 35 matches, just one point adrift of the continental places and five behind the league leaders, while Nasarawa United are sixth on 53 points, keeping their own ambitions alive in a tightly packed race.

The hosts go into the fixture in confident mood after a 2-1 away win over El-Kanemi Warriors, a result that followed a goalless draw at home to Kwara United and signalled a steady push towards a strong finish.

With their FA Cup campaign now concluded, attention has fully shifted to the league run-in, where every point is expected to be decisive.

Nasarawa United arrive in Ibadan on the back of a 3-0 home victory and remain one of the more organised defensive teams in the division, capable of frustrating opponents and striking on the counter.

Recent meetings between the sides underline how closely matched they are, with Shooting Stars recording five wins, Nasarawa United four, and one draw in their head-to-head history. The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 1-0 win for Nasarawa United.

Midfielder Alade Balogun has stressed the importance of securing maximum points for the Oluyole Warriors, describing the clash as non-negotiable in the club’s continental pursuit.

“We are going to get all the maximum three points against Nasarawa United. Victory in the game is non-negotiable,” Balogun said.

Team selection offers a mix of continuity and minor injury concerns for the hosts, with Gali Falke and Samuel Okon still in rehabilitation, while Awosanmi Promise and Ganiyu Wasiu are nearing full fitness. Adams Mustapha remains unavailable after a training injury.

In midfield, Alex Aghahowa and Ekeocha Chukwudi are expected to be involved, while in attack Shooting Stars will look to Emmanuel Ohiobe, Joshua Akpan and leading striker Lucky Emmanuel, with Sodiq Ibrahim, Qamar Adegoke and Alade Balogun providing additional creativity.

Nasarawa United, meanwhile, are expected to rely on Bright Emmanuel Amadi and Ifeanyi Okechukwu in midfield, with Oluka Ngei posing a significant attacking threat.

With both sides separated by a single point and continental ambitions on the line, Sunday’s meeting is expected to be tightly contested, high in intensity and potentially decisive in shaping the final standings as the NPFL season nears its conclusion.