Enyimba’s Somari Alalibo expects tough NPFL clash against Shooting Stars 

By Wale Mustapha

Enyimba FC defender, Somiari Alalibo is anticipating a difficult and tensed atmosphere when his side take on Shooting Stars in final day fixture of 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL clash in Ibadah on Sunday.

The People’s Elephants will be guest at the Lekan Salami Stadium for one of the Group A games aiming for victory to seal their qualification to the Super Six playoffs, with the eight-time champions will also be comfortable with a draw hoping Akwa United fail to get a win against Gombe United.

For Shooting Stars, the match will have no telling effect on how they will end their season haven retained life for another top flight season but the Oluyole Warriors will want to play for pride.

And the feels Shooting Stars will remain a hard nut to crack despite having little to play for.

“Maybe there would have been more tension if they were fighting for something – maybe to qualify for the Super Six or avoid relegation – but apart from that, we still expect them to be tough,” the centre-back proposed.

“They are a good team with an experienced coach and many good players. I know they struggled at the beginning of the season but they have been one of the best teams since the second round began.

“We played against them in Aba and we know they have quality. Despite the fact that they have nothing to play for, playing against Enyimba is enough motivation for any team.

“I remember when I was at Dakkada, each time we were to play against Enyimba, we would double or triple our preparations.

“The players, the coaches, the management; everyone would be pushing because there was always a point to prove against Enyimba. I know Shooting will come with the same motivation, so we don’t expect the game to be easy.”