Remo Stars will head into a tricky Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash against newcomers Kun Khalifat FC on Monday at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, without star striker Victor Mbaoma.
Both sides are still chasing their first win of the season.
Read Also: Collins Edwin SC Celebrates as Azubuike Enemosa Joins Serbian Club OFK Beograd
Remo Stars were held 1-1 by Rivers United in their opening fixture, while Kun Khalifat earned a commendable goalless draw away to Rangers.
Kun Khalifat, who are using the Aba Stadium as their temporary home ground due to ongoing renovations at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, will be banking on the confidence of that result as they prepare to test the champions.
Mbaoma, who rejoined Remo Stars during the off-season and scored in their opener, was forced off with a rib injury.
Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede confirmed that the striker will not feature in Monday’s encounter.
“Victor will not be available for the match (against Kun Khalifat FC),” Ogunmodede, popularly known as Ijaball, said. “The extent of the rib injury has not been fully ascertained and we are still monitoring his situation, so he is ruled out entirely.”
” We are also taking precaution because of the upcoming league matches and the CAF Champions League in September.”
His absence could hand Malian forward Adama Goita his first start of the season as Remo Stars look to maintain their attacking threat.
The fixture marks the first-ever topflight meeting between the two clubs and the first home game in the NPFL for Kun Khalifat.
While Remo Stars head in as favourites, Obinna Uzoho’s Kun Khalifat side will draw confidence from their resilient display against Rangers and aim to frustrate another heavyweight.
