By Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), popularly known as the Oluyole Warriors, extended their formidable home run with a commanding 3–1 victory over Enugu Rangers International on Sunday, March 29, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, in a Matchday 32 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Coming into the encounter, Shooting Stars were under pressure following a narrow 1–0 defeat to Katsina United on Matchday 31. Losing two consecutive matches could derail their push for a continental ticket. Rangers, on the other hand, arrived in Ibadan with confidence, fresh from a 2–0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. Following the win, they secured a temporary spot at the top of the table ahead of Rivers United.
The Enugu-based side were also riding on an impressive eight-game unbeaten run, conceding just once in that stretch. However, their momentum met a resilient 3SC side determined to protect their dominance on home soil.
The match kicked off at 4:00 p.m. before a vibrant crowd, with both teams showing early attacking intent. Just six minutes into the game, Lucky Emmanuel of Shooting Stars was presented with a clear opportunity but failed to hit the target. Three minutes later, Ismail came close to opening the scoring, only to be denied by Rangers goalkeeper, Abine George, who produced a fine save.
Rangers grew gradually into the game, but their rhythm was disrupted in the 37th minute when Daniel Itodo, their influential No. 17 known for his long throws, sustained a temporary injury to his right leg. Earlier, in the 29th minute, the visitors had already picked up a booking in what was becoming an increasingly physical contest.
The closest chance of the first half fell to Rangers in the 45th minute when a deflected shot beat the goalkeeper but narrowly struck the side netting. The resulting corner failed to yield any danger, as the header sailed over the bar.
The first half ended goalless, characterised by limited shots on target, numerous ineffective corner kicks, poor communication, and delayed decision-making from both sides, all of which slowed the tempo of the game.
However, the second half delivered the intensity and quality the first lacked.
Just four minutes after the restart, Sodiq Ibrahim broke the deadlock for Shooting Stars, capitalising on a loose ball inside the penalty area following a collision involving a 3SC forward and goalkeeper Abine George. Reacting swiftly, Ibrahim fired home a decisive shot into the net.
Buoyed by the goal, Shooting Stars mounted several attempts to extend their lead, but their finishing let them down. Rangers, however, found their response in the 69th minute, slicing through the 3SC defence to score the equaliser.
The parity did little to dampen the hosts’ spirit, as they continued to press forward. In the 73rd minute, Ismail tested George again from the left flank, but the goalkeeper stood firm. The resulting corner proved decisive.
In the 78th minute, Desmond Ojietefian rose highest to connect with a well-delivered cross, directing a powerful header into the top left corner. The assist came from Jamiu, whose precise delivery restored 3SC’s lead.
With the game approaching its conclusion, Shooting Stars sealed the victory in dramatic fashion. Ayobami Junior, who orchestrated the midfield brilliantly, delivered a defence-splitting pass to substitute Adams Mustapha. The forward showed composure and pace, beating the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball and delicately chipping the ball into the net.
After 12 minutes of added time, the referee brought the match to an end with Shooting Stars securing a 3–1 victory.
One clear takeaway from the encounter is Shooting Stars’ dominance at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The Oluyole Warriors have remained formidable at home, recording 13 wins, 2 draws, and just one loss in 16 matches. Notably, their passionate fan base continues to play a crucial role in creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
Historically, Shooting Stars have also maintained the upper hand over Rangers. In the past 11 meetings, 3SC have recorded six wins and three draws, while Rangers have managed just two victories. Last season, Shooting Stars secured a resounding 5–1 win at home. However, Rangers claimed a narrow 1–0 victory in their earlier meeting this season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
“The Next Step Is to Prepare for the Upcoming Fixture” — Fidelis Ilechukwu
At the post-match press conference, Rangers head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, admitted disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about the title race.
“This is football—it’s about winning, drawing, or losing. It is unfortunate that we lost the game here. The next step for us is to go home and prepare for the next game.
“We brought the necessary tactics, but it’s unfortunate the game ended this way. The officiating was not fair, but I don’t want to dwell on that. We must move forward,” he said.
He also revealed that the injury to Ibrahim Yusuf affected their tactical setup.
“Our attacking force, Ibrahim Yusuf, was injured, and it affected our game plan. We had to adjust.”
Despite the loss, Ilechukwu maintained that the title race remains open. “We still have six games to go, and we are just a point behind. The race is still open.”
“One of Our Best Matches” — Nurudeen Aweroro
Shooting Stars head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, described the performance as one of the team’s finest this season.
“We played one of the best teams in the league. They haven’t conceded more than one goal in their last seven matches,” he said.
“Today was one of our best performances. Scoring three goals against such a side shows the mentality of our players. We are warriors, and we played like that.”
He acknowledged areas for improvement but remained confident ahead of upcoming fixtures. “We conceded, and we moved on. The league is still open, and we have about three away games. Winning away will come.”
On the continental ticket race, he emphasised that consistency in goal scoring l and fan support would go a long way. “We are working on our goal scoring because that is key. We believe we will secure a continental ticket with the support of our fans and God.”
Next Fixture
Shooting Stars will travel to Ogun State to face Remo Stars on Monday, April 6, in a Matchday 33 fixture. Despite their strong home form, 3SC have struggled on the road, recording just two wins in their last 16 away matches.
Remo Stars, meanwhile, have won their last two home games and will be eager to capitalise as they continue their fight to avoid relegation.
Matchday 32 Results Round-Up
Across other fixtures, Bendel Insurance played out a 2–2 draw with Plateau United, while Kwara United secured a 1–0 victory over Nasarawa United. Niger Tornadoes recorded a 2–0 second-half win against Wikki Tourists, while Barau and Katsina United settled for a goalless draw. Ikorodu City FC maintained third place after a thrilling 4–3 victory over Warri Wolves.
In other fixtures, Kano Pillars suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat away to Bayelsa United and now sit 17th, just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Enyimba secured a late 2–1 win after Chidera converted a rebound from a saved penalty against Abia Warriors. Oladimeji, who came in for the injured Abia goalkeeper, Odah, attempted a save at the first shot, but his save could only lead to a rebound that proved hopeless to save.
Defending champions Remo Stars managed only a 1–1 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors, while Rivers United reclaimed the top spot following a 4–2 victory over bottom-placed Kun Khalifat.
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