Parrot Sports CEO, Anthony Sunday Samuel, has weighed in on the growing South-West derby narrative, highlighting Ikorodu City’s continued dominance over Shooting Stars despite significant personnel movements between both clubs.
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Speaking after the latest derby outcome, Samuel noted that while the Oluyole Warriors have invested heavily in restructuring both on and off the pitch, results against the “Oga Boys” have remained elusive.
According to him, there is a strong internal culture and winning formula currently working in Ikorodu City’s favour — one that goes beyond individual names.
“There is something working for Ikorodu City,” Samuel stated. “They need to continue with that strength and belief if they want to keep claiming pride against high-profile sides in the South-West derby.”
Shooting Stars’ recent struggles are particularly striking given their recruitment approach. The Ibadan-based club has drawn extensively from Ikorodu City’s structure, bringing in no fewer than seven personnel across staff and playing ranks.
This includes head coach Nurudeen Aweroro, sporting director Tobi Adepoju, and Ali Kandil, who previously served as head coach of Ikorodu City before joining Shooting Stars as assistant coach.
Despite this crossover, the results have not followed. Across their meetings this campaign, Shooting Stars have managed just one point from a possible six against Ikorodu City, failing to secure a single victory.
Samuel believes this underlines an important lesson in football management: success is not solely about assembling familiar faces but about sustaining identity, chemistry, and collective belief.
As the NPFL season progresses, Ikorodu City continue to assert themselves as a growing force in the South-West, while Shooting Stars are left searching for answers — and a breakthrough — against neighbours who seem to have their number.
