Shooting Stars opened their NPFL 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, with the Oluyole Warriors showing character to secure all three points.
Lucky gave Shooting Stars the perfect start when he opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Inter Lagos quickly responded through Adegun Damilare, who equalised in the 22nd minute.
The hosts restored their advantage just before half-time when Sodiq converted a 45th-minute penalty, giving Shooting Stars a 2-1 lead at the interval.
Inter Lagos pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but the Oluyole Warriors stood firm and successfully protected their advantage.
There was late drama when Shooting Stars received another penalty in stoppage time, but Mustapha Adams saw his effort strike the woodwork.
Despite the missed opportunity, Shooting Stars held on for a valuable opening-day victory.
Speaking after the game, goalscorer Sodiq highlighted the togetherness that helped the team secure the result.
“We stayed together until the end. When they equalised, we didn’t panic because we knew we had the quality to get back in front. The second half was difficult, but everyone fought for the team. This is a good start, and now we have to build on it,” Sodiq said.
Lucky, who opened the scoring, also reflected on the importance of starting the campaign positively.
“Getting the first goal gave us confidence, but we knew the game was far from over. Inter Lagos made it difficult for us, so I’m proud of the way the team responded and fought for the three points.”
Inter Lagos’ Adegun Damilare, who scored his side’s only goal, admitted there were positives despite the defeat.
“We showed that we could compete, but we didn’t get the result we wanted. We have to take the lessons from this game and make sure we are better in the next one.”
The result gives Shooting Stars an important three-point start to their NPFL27 campaign, while Inter Lagos will now look to bounce back in their next fixture.
For the Oluyole Warriors, the season has started with a statement of character, unity and determination.
