After elimination from the CAF Champions League in the first preliminary stage by CR Belouizdad by a 2-1 aggregate score. After winning the home leg 1-0, Akwa United lost the return leg 2-0 in Algeria.

Kennedy Boboye will prepare them not to be complacent against a team against which they should be winning. Instead, there is a need for a ruthless streak from Akwa United, and relentlessness like the one they showed last season en-route to the NPFL title.

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Match Preview

Can Shooting Stars Shock the Nigeria by Beating the Champions?

Expect Akwa United to take control of proceedings by bossing possession and dictating the match. They will look to take the sting form the match and give Shooting Stars no encouragement. Shooting Stars will be looking to contain Akwa United attacking talent and look to attack on the counter. Akwa United will have too much for the newly promoted side; the champions will take all three points. 
Rasheed Balogun will have all his players available for selection in the match against the reigning Nigerian champions.

Can Akwa United Keep their Nerve to Navigate a Tricky Fixture?

The post Shooting Stars vs Akwa United Prediction: Nigerian Professional Football League Match on 26.12.2021 appeared first on 22bet.
Adewale Adeyinka; Sampson Gbadebo, James Ajako, ubong Friday, Mfon Udoh, Oluwadamilane Moses Ojo; Wasiu Alalade, Denis Nya, Etboy Akpan, Seth Mayi, Gospower Aniefiok

Form Guide

Shooting Stars

The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Akwa United travel to face the newly promoted Shooting Stars (3SC) on Sunday at 16:00 GMT. 
Make sure to bet on Shooting Stars vs Akwa United with 22Bet!

Akwa United

Rasheed Balogun will be hopping that his side carries some of the form they showed in the Nigeria National League Super Eight play-off stages during which they won their promotion into the NPFL.
After gaining promotion, Rasheed Balogun’s side will be looking to maintain their NPFL status this season. Matches like the ones against the champions Akwa United will count as a bonus for Shooting Starts. 

Team News

Shooting Stars

3SC will be looking to make a statement in the NPFL by winning against the reigning champions. On the other hand, Akwa United will look for a great start to the season to set it up well for another title challenge. 
Akwa United has not reported any injuries or absences ahead of the match against the newly promoted Shooting Stars. Kennedy Boboye is likely to choose his strongest 11 against 3SC. 

Akwa United

Rasheed Balogun will encourage his team to give it a proper go and enjoy themselves playing against the NPFL big boys. 

Possible Starting Lineups

Shooting Stars

1. Dede; Elum Chidiebere Henry, Okozi Efe Prosper, Dare Olatunji; Emmanuel Adebayo, Malomo Taofeek Ayodeji; Daddy Bazuaye, Dolapo Omotayo, Ebenezer Omotayo; Ayo Adejubi, Sodiq Olamilekan Awujoola

Akwa United

Awujoola is a new signing to Shooting Stars; he is a winger that is expected to inject the much-needed pace and urgency to the 3SC attack.

Players to Watch

Sodiq Olamilekan Awujoola

Kennedy Boboye’s side will come up against a stubborn newly promoted side when they take on Shooting Stars on Sunday. But Akwa United should win this match if they are to maintain their hopes of defending their title this season.
Friday will be central in the champions’ approach to the match against Shooting Stars. His runs behind the defence, dribbling, and killer instinct will be needed in this match on Sunday. 
In their Group B play-offs, Shooting Stars saw off Ekiti United and Bendel Insurance to qualify alongside Remo Stars. 

Ubong Friday

The winger was instrumental in Akwa United’s romp to the title last season. He was also crucial in their matches against CR Belouizdad, where he managed to notch a goal in the 2-1 aggregate defeat for Akwa. 
Awujoola will be the centre of attraction as he makes his home debut against the reigning champions Akwa United.

Prediction

This was a disappointing campaign for the NPFL champions in the continental competition. Kennedy Boboye will be looking to put this exit from the Champions League tournament behind them as the NPFL kicks off. 
His main attributes are attacking penetration using is pace, cutting in from the sides, and influencing the game through crosses and his finishing touch. He will be a crucial asset to the newly promoted side as they seek to maintain their NPFL status.
Having everyone fit and ready for the match will be a boost to their hopes of pulling off a shock result.