Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) recorded a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, boosting their position on the league table and dealing a blow to the visitors’ title hopes.
The intense encounter saw the Ibadan-based side produce a dramatic performance in front of their home supporters, securing all three points against a Rivers United team that arrived as league leaders.
Bright Start for Shooting Stars
The hosts began the match with determination and were rewarded in the first half when Sodiq Ibrahim broke the deadlock for Shooting Stars. The forward continued his impressive scoring run, netting his seventh league goal of the season to give the Oluyole Warriors the advantage. ()
Ibrahim’s strike came after a well-worked attacking move, sending the home crowd into celebration as Shooting Stars went into the halftime break with a 1–0 lead.
Despite Rivers United enjoying spells of possession, the home side’s defensive organization ensured they protected their lead going into the second half.
Rivers United Fight Back
Rivers United returned from the break with renewed energy and pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute, when Wasiu Falolu found the back of the net to restore parity for the visitors. The goal shifted momentum in the match and briefly raised hopes for Rivers United to secure at least a point from the encounter. ()
The equaliser led to an open contest, with both teams creating chances in search of a decisive goal.
Late Drama Seals Victory for 3SC
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Shooting Stars delivered a dramatic finish in stoppage time.
Qamar Adegoke emerged as the hero for the Ibadan side, scoring a late winner deep into added time to hand Shooting Stars a crucial 2–1 victory. ()
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the home fans as the referee’s final whistle confirmed an important win for the hosts.
Impact on the NPFL Table
The victory lifted Shooting Stars to sixth position on the NPFL table, strengthening their push for a higher finish in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season. ()
For Rivers United, the defeat was a setback in the title race. The Port Harcourt-based club had arrived in Ibadan hoping to extend their lead at the top of the standings after recording consecutive wins in previous matches.
Instead, the loss allowed their rivals to close the gap at the summit of the league.
Home Advantage Proves Crucial
Shooting Stars have continued to show strong form at home this season, turning the Lekan Salami Stadium into a difficult venue for visiting teams.
The passionate support from the Ibadan faithful played a significant role once again, inspiring the team to fight until the final whistle and eventually secure victory.
The result also highlights the competitiveness of the NPFL, where any team can challenge for points regardless of league position.
What Next for Both Teams?
Following the dramatic win, Shooting Stars will look to build momentum in their upcoming fixtures as they aim to climb further up the NPFL standings.
Meanwhile, Rivers United will be eager to bounce back quickly and maintain their push for the league title in what promises to be a tightly contested season.
The result in Ibadan is another reminder that the NPFL remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting domestic leagues in African football, with late drama and passionate rivalries continuing to define the competition.
