It’s been two weeks since our last outing in the league — March 23, Matchday 30, away to Rivers United. We came close to leaving Port Harcourt with a point, but a 90+5th-minute goal meant we left with nothing. A tough one to take, especially after the effort the players put in.

Since then, our Matchday 31 fixture against Katsina United was rescheduled. In between, we got the job done in the Federation Cup — a 3-1 win over Crown FC secured our place in the Round of 16 and gave us something to build on.

Now, it’s Matchday 32. But this one carries more than just the usual weight. It’s Shooting Stars. It’s a derby. It’s a fixture loaded with pride, and rivalry. For us, it’s about more than three points — it’s about showing who owns the bragging rights.

We know what’s at stake. So do they, but we know better.

What Happened in The First Leg?

The atmosphere at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on November 17, 2024, was nothing short of electric. We conceded early in what was always going to be a fiery derby, but there was no sense of panic. Instead, the response was exactly what you’d expect from a team that knows how to dig deep. We didn’t allow that early setback to define the game. We kept pushing, kept believing.

Shola Adelani leveled things up in the 58th minute, capitalizing on the pressure we had built. But we weren’t content with just a point. As the clock ticked down, the intensity only grew. And in the 88th minute, Rivio Ayenmwere struck the killer blow — the match-winner that had been coming for the entire second half.

It wasn’t just about the victory, though the bragging rights were certainly sweet. That night was a statement — a reminder that this team has more than just the quality to compete at the top level. It’s got the character, the fight, and the desire to make every game count. We proved once again that we belong among the league’s best.

Team News

Aside from Toyeeb Ajeyigbe and Freedom Marvelous, who are both still recovering from injuries, and Olatunji AbdulMalik, who is unavailable due to personal reasons, every other player is fully fit and available for the derby.

What to Expect in Ibadan Tomorrow

Derbies are never short of intensity, and anyone familiar with the NPFL knows just how passionate Ibadan fans are about their football. The players are well aware of what’s at stake in this encounter, but we won’t fidget. We’ll stick to our game plan, focus on playing our football, and aim to get the win and bragging rights.

Match Details

●     Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

●     Kick-off Time: 05:30 pm

●     Date: Sunday 6th, April.

●     Follow the Action: Stay connected with us on social media @IkoroduCityFC for live updates and all the action as it unfolds.