Unbeaten Shooting Stars dares angry Pillars in Kano

Shooting Stars, Taiwo Hassan (R) stretches for the ball in his side's 2-2 draw against Zamfara United in Kano. Photo 4to-sports
By Ifeanyi Ibeh

League leaders Shooting Stars will tomorrow attempt to maintain their unbeaten run in the 2010/2011 Premier League season when they take on Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The Ibadan based Shooting Stars have so far this season shown considerable improvement from the side that struggled all through last season defeating Sunshine Stars (2-1) and newly promoted Bukola Babes (2-0) and were only a few seconds away from recording a memorable away win over Zamfara United before the home side grabbed a last gasp goal to secure a 2-2 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

On the other hand, Kano Pillars have yet to hit any form of consistency in the three weeks old season.

Kano Pillars, league champions two seasons ago, actually started the season on a bright note with a one-all draw at Kaduna United before returning home to pip Bukola Babes 1-0 in penultimate weekend’s round of matches. They however went down by the same score line to Kwara United no thanks to a controversial 95th minute penalty conversion by Isiaka Olawale.

“We have already put that behind us,” said Pillars coach Salisu Yusuf, recalling last weekend’s controversial penalty against his side. “We are only focussing on the match against Shooting Stars.

“Everyone here knows that they have been doing well since the start of the season which is why they are on top of the table but we also know that if we get a win on Saturday we’ll both be equal on points,” stressed the former Nigeria international.

Familiar haunting ground

Shooting Stars are on seven points, three points ahead of Pillars, but have also scored twice in each of their three league games to date, and will be looking to continue on that impressive note as they make a return to an already familiar venue.

“We played there (Sani Abacha Stadium) against Zamfara and the playing surface is good for football,” recalled Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amoo. “It is very suitable for our style of football and if the boys play to their potentials I believe we can come out of this game with something.

“It won’t be, as the saying goes, a stroll in the park as our opponents are a very good side; a side that’s very difficult to beat at home. But we’ll give it our best shot,” added the former Super Eagles assistant coach.

Another big game billed for tomorrow is that between Dolphins and second-placed Gombe United, who are also unbeaten. The game comes up at Port Harcourt’s Liberation Stadium.

In other games, Bukola Babes will attempt to record a historic first ever goal in the Nigerian top flight when they welcome defending champions Enyimba to the Offa Township Stadium, while unbeaten JUTH, complete with Ghanaian import James Amankwei, who has scored two goals so far, will go in search of their first win of the season when they take on the equally unbeaten Warri Wolves at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos. Warri Wolves have in their fold Ekigho Ehiosun who has scored three goals and who jointly leads the scorers chart with Enugu Rangers’ Fred Okwara.

Crown FC will also take on Kwara United at Ilaro.