Shooting Stars Sports Club returned to winning ways in impressive fashion, defeating Ranchers Bees 3-1 in their EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 encounter in Ibadan, handing under-pressure Technical Adviser Salisu Yusuf a much-needed victory.
Sports247 reports that goals from Desmond Ojietefian, Damilola Akinola and Qamar Adegoke secured maximum points for the Oluyole Warriors, while Isah Ndala Aliyu scored the visitors’ only goal.
The victory came at a crucial moment for Shooting Stars, whose recent struggles had generated growing frustration among supporters and intensified scrutiny of the technical crew.
Determined to make home advantage count, Shooting Stars made a positive start and found the breakthrough in the 14th minute through Desmond Ojietefian.
However, Ranchers Bees responded in the 38th minute when Isah Ndala Aliyu restored parity, temporarily frustrating the home side. With the first half approaching its conclusion, Damilola Akinola struck three minutes into stoppage time to restore Shooting Stars’ advantage.
The late first-half goal ensured that the Oluyole Warriors headed into the dressing room with a 2-1 lead. Shooting Stars had an opportunity to extend their advantage shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty.
Sodiq Ibrahim stepped forward to take the spot-kick in the 52nd minute, but Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Tofa produced an important save to keep his team within touching distance. The intervention temporarily preserved the visitors’ hopes of finding another equaliser.
However, Shooting Stars maintained their advantage and eventually found the decisive third goal.
The standout moment of the encounter arrived in the 71st minute when Qamar Adegoke produced a superb individual finish to put the result beyond doubt.
Showing impressive close control, Adegoke dragged the ball away from his marker before squeezing his effort into the net from a difficult angle. The spectacular goal extended Shooting Stars’ lead to 3-1 and provided a fitting conclusion to an important attacking performance.
Beyond the three points, the result represented an important response from Shooting Stars following a difficult period marked by criticism from supporters.
Ahead of the encounter, Executive Chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami had appealed for continued loyalty and encouragement from the club’s supporters, describing them as the team’s 12th man.
The chairman also maintained his confidence in Salisu Yusuf despite the team’s disappointing results.
Friday’s victory therefore offered a timely boost for the coach, players and management as they seek to rebuild confidence and improve their league campaign.
For Ranchers Bees, the defeat extended their difficult run of results, leaving the visitors with further questions to answer.
Shooting Stars will now hope their convincing 3-1 triumph can serve as a turning point, with Salisu Yusuf eager to build momentum and restore the Oluyole Warriors’ competitive edge in the NPFL.
