Shooting Stars Sports Club will look to end their losing run on the road when they face bottom side Kun Khalifat FC in Matchday 8 of the EUROMATCH Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, October 11.
The fixture will be played at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Kun Khalifat’s adopted home ground, with both teams needing a result to ease pressure after difficult starts to the season.
Shooting Stars, also known as the Oluyole Warriors, sit 14th with eight points from seven matches. They have recorded two wins, two draws and three defeats, but all three of their losses have come away from home.
They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos before suffering a 3-1 defeat by Plateau United, a 1-0 loss to Warri Wolves and a 4-2 defeat against Enyimba.
Their struggles on their travels have been compounded by two successive goalless draws at home against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars. The results have increased scrutiny on technical adviser Salisu Yusuf, with some supporters calling for him to be dismissed.
Shooting Stars acknowledged their difficult start in a statement issued this week and warned fans against violence and abusive behaviour towards staff and players.
Kun Khalifat are five points from seven matches and occupy 20th place in the table. They have won once, drawn twice and lost four times, while their 14 goals conceded represent the worst defensive record in the league.
Their most recent match ended in a 1-0 defeat by Niger Tornadoes. Their only victory so far came at home against Kwara United, with Kun Khalifat winning that game 1-0.
The two clubs have each won their home fixture in their previous two meetings. Kun Khalifat hold a narrow advantage in the overall scoring record, having found the net three times to Shooting Stars’ two.
Sunday’s encounter carries significant importance for both sides as they attempt to move away from trouble. However, the pressure is particularly acute on Shooting Stars, who must avoid another defeat and are seeking their first point away from home this season.