Shooting Stars SC opens NPFL season with 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos FC

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan kicked off their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos FC. The match, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, saw a large turnout of enthusiastic home fans cheering their team to an opening-day win.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 3SC took the lead in the 15th minute when Lucky Emmanuel struck a powerful shot from inside the six-yard box to put the hosts ahead.

3SC took an early lead in the 15th minute through a powerful strike from Lucky Emmanuel. However, Inter Lagos FC managed to equalize in the 33rd minute when Uchenna Njoku capitalized on a defensive error by 3SC captain Gbolagade Adelowo. The home side regained their advantage just before halftime, as Sodiq Ibrahim calmly converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Emmanuel.

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Inter Lagos responded in the 33rd minute as Uchenna Njoku capitalised on an error by Shooting Stars captain, Gbolagade Adelowo, to convert a pass from his teammate, Iyede Kewe, to make it 1-1.

In the second half, 3SC had an opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot, but Adams Mustapha failed to convert. Despite this missed chance, the 2-1 scoreline held until the final whistle, securing the crucial three points for the Ibadan club.

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3SC eventually regained the lead on the stroke of half-time after Inter Lagos defender Jamiu Arowolo was penalised for fouling Shooting Stars’ Lucky Emmanuel in the box. Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 45th minute to give the Oluyole Warriors a 2-1 lead at the break.

The win serves as a significant morale booster for Shooting Stars, who are set to compete in continental football this season after a remarkable third-place finish in the 2025/26 NPFL campaign. This marked their highest league standing in over a decade, signaling a strong resurgence for one of Nigeria's historic football clubs. The team will aim to build on their defensive solidity and home-ground dominance as they navigate both domestic and continental fixtures.

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Shooting Stars had an opportunity to extend their advantage in the second half from the penalty spot, but Adams Mustapha failed to convert, leaving the scoreline at 2-1 until the final whistle.