Shooting Stars head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, has lauded his players’ resilience and determination after the Oluyole Warriors secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on Saturday.
The stalemate, coming in Matchday Two of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, marked Shooting Stars’ first point of the campaign after a disappointing home defeat to Bayelsa United on opening day.
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For Aweroro, it was more than just a point. it was a timely boost to his team’s confidence and a foundation to build upon.
“This was a massive one for us,” Aweroro said after the game.
“It was a tough match with tough challenges, but very rewarding. It started with high intensity and ended with high intensity. I thank both teams for their effort, but I’m especially happy with my boys because we gave everything, and this result will motivate us going forward.”
The coach also paid tribute to Bendel Insurance, acknowledging their physicality and resilience:
“I want to thank Bendel Insurance, they gave us a good challenge. I love their intensity and physical strength, but we matched them and managed the pressure. This result gives us confidence to return home and push for our first win.”
How It Happened
The visitors got off to a dream start in just the 5th minute when Ismail Ayodele latched onto Tijani Kabir’s clever assist to fire Shooting Stars into the lead.
But Insurance wasted no time in responding, with Oweilayefa striking in the 12th minute to restore parity in front of the home crowd.
From then on, it was an open contest, with both sides creating chances.
Shooting Stars captain, Ghali Falke, stood tall in defense, producing a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half to keep his side in the game.
The spotlight, however, shone brightest on goalkeeper Mustapha “Black Spider” Lawal, who marked his first outing of the season with a commanding performance.
The CHAN Eagles shot-stopper pulled off two spectacular late saves in the 89th and 92nd minutes to deny Bendel Insurance a dramatic winner.
Though the Oluyole Warriors are still searching for their first victory of the campaign, their display in Benin underlined a spirit of resilience, tactical discipline, and renewed belief, qualities that will be vital when they host Ikorodu City FC in Ibadan next weekend.
Interestingly, both Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance shared more than just the spoils, as both side registered their first goal and first point of the season in this encounter.
Thus keeping their campaigns delicately poised heading into Matchday Three.
