Shooting Stars Sports Club announced their long-awaited return to continental football in winning fashion, edging Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien 1–0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Lucky Emmanuel emerged as the hero for the Oluyole Warriors, scoring the decisive goal to hand the Nigerian side a precious advantage ahead of the return leg in Tunisia.
The victory brought an emotional end to a 27-year wait for continental football for the historic Ibadan club, who were playing their first match in Africa since their appearance in the 1999 CAF Champions League.
Shooting Stars approached the encounter knowing that a positive result at home would be crucial against one of Tunisia’s most established clubs, and they delivered when it mattered most.
Emmanuel’s goal ultimately separated both sides, giving the Oluyole Warriors something valuable to take into the second leg while also providing their supporters with a memorable night in Abeokuta.
The result is particularly significant for a club with Shooting Stars’ continental pedigree. The Nigerian side have previously enjoyed memorable campaigns on the African stage, and their return after more than two decades away was always expected to carry enormous expectations.
Now, however, the focus immediately shifts to Tunisia.
Shooting Stars will travel to face CS Sfaxien in the second leg on Sunday, September 13, knowing that another disciplined performance could see them complete one of the most impressive returns to continental competition by a Nigerian club in recent years.
The 1–0 advantage gives the Oluyole Warriors something to protect, but the job is far from finished.
Twenty-seven years away. Ninety minutes won. One more battle remains.
Can Shooting Stars finish the job in Tunisia and continue their African adventure?
