IBADAN, NIGERIA — Shooting Stars Sports Club launched their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Friday, as the Oluyole Warriors signalled their intent to build on last season’s historic continental qualification.
The match, which kicked off the new NPFL season in front of a passionate home crowd, saw Salisu Yusuf’s men take an early lead through Lucky Emmanuel in the 14th minute. The forward displayed excellent skill inside the box after receiving the ball from a throw-in on the right flank, beating his marker before firing a powerful shot past the Inter Lagos goalkeeper to send the home fans into raptures.
However, the visitors, making their top-flight debut, responded with remarkable composure. Just seven minutes later, Damilare Adigun connected with a well-delivered cross and made no mistake with his finish to bring Inter Lagos level at 1-1, silencing the vociferous home support. The goal marked a historic moment for the Lagos-based newcomers—their first-ever strike in Nigeria’s elite division.
Both teams continued to battle for control as the first half progressed, with Inter Lagos goalkeeper Favour Bala making several stunning saves to keep the scoreline intact. However, on the stroke of halftime, Shooting Stars were awarded a penalty after Lucky Emmanuel was brought down inside the area following a clever pass from Sodiq Ibrahim. Ibrahim stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore the hosts’ lead at 2-1 going into the break.
The second half saw Shooting Stars continue to press forward but lacking the cutting edge to put the game beyond their opponents. The Oluyole Warriors had a golden opportunity to seal the win in stoppage time when they were awarded another penalty after Qamar Adegoke was fouled. However, substitute Mustapha Adams saw his spot-kick come back off the post from 12 yards, leaving Shooting Stars to settle for a narrow 2-1 victory.
The victory serves as a significant morale booster for 3SC, who are returning to continental football this season after a 27-year absence. The club secured a return to African competition at the end of the 2025/26 campaign when they placed third on the league table behind champions Rangers International and runners-up Rivers United. It marked their highest league finish in over a decade and signaled a major turnaround for one of Nigeria’s most historic clubs.
For the Oluyole Warriors, last season’s success was built on defensive solidity and home dominance at the Lekan Salami Stadium, a foundation the team will hope to build on as they juggle domestic and continental engagements in the new campaign. Coach Salisu Yusuf handed home debuts to several new signings, including Issa Yusuf, Olakunle Akala, Abdulaziz Dalhatu, and Taheer Abubakar, while Mustapha Lawal started between the sticks.
Inter Lagos, under the guidance of head coach Shakiru Giwa, will take heart from their spirited performance despite the defeat. The newly promoted side showed they can compete at the highest level, and their first-ever NPFL goal will serve as a foundation to build upon as they seek to establish themselves in Nigeria’s top flight.
The opening fixture came on the same day the Nigeria Football Federation appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL. Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate in sports administration, brings extensive experience in football administration and league management, having worked at various levels of the Nigerian football system.
Action from this opening matchday continues on Sunday with nine more fixtures across the country. For Shooting Stars, the victory provides an important boost at the start of the new campaign, while Inter Lagos will have to wait for another opportunity to secure their first points of the season.
