AFCON 2025
Shooting Stars took an important step towards clinching a spot on the continent next season as the Oluyole Warriors beat title contenders Enugu Rangers.
The two heavyweights of the Nigeria Premier Football League met in Ibadan on Sunday afternoon and treated fans to a beautiful spectacle at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Shooting Stars came into the match needing a win to move closer to the continental spots while Enugu Rangers needed to avoid defeat to keep the gap between them and Rivers United narrow.
After a goalless affair in the first half, Sodiq Ibrahim broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half with a brilliant finish.
Enugu Rangers bagged the equaliser nine minutes after the hour mark to set up a pulsating last 20 minutes of the tie.
With less than 15 minutes to go, 21-year-old forward, Qamar Adegoke put Shooting Stars back into the lead.
Shooting Stars protected the lead this time and added a third in the 88th minute courtesy of Adam Mustapha.
The tie ended 3-1 as Shooting Stars moved to fifth on the log tied on points -50 with Nasarawa United in fourth place.
Title favourites Rivers United survived a scare from relegation-bound Kun Khalifat to reclaim top spot on the league table.
The Pride of Rivers fell to a 2-1 loss after 37 minutes despite scoring first through Aniekeme Okon after 16 minutes.
However, Douglas Iyowuna scored twice and Handsome Surveyor added the fourth as Rivers United sealed a 4-2 win.
Rivers United lead Enugu Rangers with just a point at the top of the table with six matches left before the end of the season.
Enyimba moves out of the relegation zone after sealing a 2-1 win over rivals Abia Warriors in the derby.
All three goals came in the second half of the match the Aba Elephants continue to dominate the fixture.
Wonah Williams scored a penalty in added time of the 90 to give Enyimba a 2-1 win over Abia Warriors.
