Tag: shooting stars

Shooting Stars Sports Club have strengthened their technical bench with the appointment of Ali Kandil ahead of the second half of the season.

The Lebanese coach joins the Oluyole Warriors, reuniting with former boss Nurudeen Aweroro, as the club pushes for improved performances.

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Kandil previously served as assistant coach at Ikorodu City FC before being appointed head coach in July 2025, where he led the club through 19 NPFL matches, recording eight wins, eight draws and three losses.

He holds diplomas in Football Business and Digital Marketing in Sports, and is known for his preference for a 4-3-3 attacking formation.

His arrival is expected to bring tactical depth and fresh ideas to the Shooting Stars setup.

Wikki Tourists ended Shooting Stars’ five-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 win in Bauchi, while Plateau United bounced back from a heavy defeat to beat Enyimba in a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 10 clash yesterday.

At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, under-pressure coach Abdu Maikaba finally breathed a sigh of relief as his Wikki Tourists side produced one of their best displays of the season. Abdullahi Usman opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Jonathan Mairiga’s acrobatic strike in the 42^nd  minute sealed a crucial victory for the Giant Elephants — their first win since September 7, when they edged Katsina United. The result took their points tally to 12 from 10 games.

In Jos, Plateau United showed resilience to recover from their 4-0 humiliation by Niger Tornadoes last week, defeating Enyimba 2-1 in a pulsating contest at the New Jos Road Stadium. Monday Gideon was the hero for the Peace Boys, scoring a brace in the 50th and 76th minutes. Jonathan Jacob briefly drew Enyimba level in the 68th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation for the People’s Elephant.

In Warri, Igbunu Evwierhurhoma’s brace fired Warri Wolves to a 2-0 win over Bayelsa United — their first back-to-back victories of the season. The striker struck early in the 14^th  minute and sealed the result deep into stoppage time. The victory pushed the Seasiders up to fourth on the table with 17 points from 10 matches.

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Abia Warriors climbed to second place on the standings with 18 points after a comfortable 2-0 win over Barau FC in Umuahia. Goals from Emeka Obioma and Sunday Megwo earned the Umuchineke Boys the points against a Barau side now sinking deeper into relegation worries. Former Abia Warriors coach, Ladan Bosso, returned to his old stomping ground only to leave empty-handed.

In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC were denied a third consecutive win as Bendel Insurance forced them to a 1-1 draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The visitors took an early lead through Kayode Oke in the second minute, but Uche Moses equalised for the hosts in the 60^th  minute with a brilliant curling effort.

Elsewhere, Rangers International’s inconsistent season continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Kwara United in Enugu. Katsina United edged El Kanemi Warriors 1-0 at home, while Niger Tornadoes continued their fine run with a 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Katsina.

NPFL MATCHDAY 10 RESULTS

Wolves 2-0 Bayelsa United

Rangers 0-0 Kwara United

Abia Warriors 2-0 Barau

Wikki 2-0 3SC

Plateau United 2-1 Enyimba

Kun Khalifat 1-1 Insurance

Katsina United 1-0 El-Kanemi

Kano Pillars 0-2 Niger Tornadoes

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of  Ibadan has launched a fan orientation initiative aimed at promoting good conduct and ensuring decorum, order and peace during matchdays at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba.

 This initiative spearheaded by the administration of Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, was launched during their Match Day 9 encounter against Abia Warriors  as the club moved  to the second position on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table on Sunday.

Through the initiative, the club posted  thought-provoking  messages  on flex boards throughout the stadium on Sunday  to deter violent behaviour, hooliganism, field encroachment and other actions that could damage the reputation of the sport.

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Among the inscriptions sighted before the NPFL match were “Respect the Referee, Respect the Badge. Great fans support with love, not violence.  Throw Cheers, Not Objects. Our energy should lift the team, not harm the game.” All these captions were signed off with “Say no to violence.”

The program, which has received significant praise from spectators and sports stakeholders, is viewed as a commendable attempt to refocus fans and promote a culture of peace and respect at football stadiums.

According to club’s Chief Operating Officer, Bunmi Fadayomi, “the safety of people and property as well as the preservation of the round leather game, are still major priorities. In addition to these goals, the initiative aims to foster community engagement by encouraging dialogue between fans, players, and officials by creating a more inclusive environment, the program hope to inspire a new generation of supporters who uphold these values both on and off the field.”

It should be noted that Kano Pillars were sanctioned by league authorities just last week for disruptive supporter behaviour following their 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars. The recent campaign by the Ibadan-based club serves as a timely reminder that peace, tolerance, and respect must remain central to every football event.

The management of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan has confirmed that two of its players: Taye Muritala and Abdullahi Lawal who underwent successful surgeries over the weekend, are now recovering.

According to a report from the club, the two players expected to re-join the squad during the course of the season.

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The club stated that it remains committed to the health and welfare of its players, which it places as its top priority.

The Oluyole Warriors last weekend picked up their first away win of the ongoing 2025/26 NPFL season after staging a 2-1 comeback win over Warri Wolves in Ozoro.

They Oluyole will next host Plateau United this weekend, in what promises to be another mouthwatering NPFL match day 7 fixture in Ibadan.

Shooting Stars have bolstered their squad with the signings of Austin Onyemaechi and Chidiebere Nnachi, both formerly of Enyimba.

 The duo brings experience and depth as the Oluyole Warriors gear up for a serious push for the NPFL title in the 2025/2026 season.

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The moves come as part of a broader restructuring at the club following a mid-table finish last season.

Under new leadership—Taiwo Lekan Salami as Club Chairman and Tobi Adepoju as Sporting Director—Shooting Stars are laying the foundation for a more competitive campaign.

Ibadan soccer lords, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)  officially resumed for the 2025/26 season on Monday.

The Oluyole Warriors embarked on a break after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, in which the team finished eight on the log.

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Technical Adviser of the team, Gbenga Ogunbote while welcoming the players  at the Awolowo Stadium, University of Ibadan, urged them to brace up for the challenges of the season.

According to the  Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the 2025/26 season will commence August 22nd, 2025.

• Ibadan team to play in empty stadium 

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)  are to pay a fine of N3million and another N2million to Ikorodu City for damages to their bus following security breaches that resulted in attack on Ikorodu City contingent. Fans have also been indefinitely restricted from gaining access to Shooting Stars’ home games.

The incident occurred at the end of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 at the Lekan Salami Stadium leading to a disciplinary panel sitting on Wednesday

The Ibadan club was found guilty of all three count of failure to provide adequate security, failure to ensure proper conduct of their supporters resulting in attack on the opponents and throwing of objects to the field of play and the Referees.

For failure  to provide adequate and effective security which resulted in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas and harass the match officials, Shooting Stars were fined N1million.

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The second charge read, “You are in breach of Rule C9 of the Frameworks and Rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League, in that on Sunday, 06th April 2025, in the course of Match Day 32 Fixture: Shooting Stars vs. Ikorodu City, you failed to ensure the proper conduct of your supporters, which resulted in the assault on the away team supporters.”

The Disciplinary panel ordered a fine of another N1m and on the third charge of not controlling their fans, they are to also pay N1m.

For breach of Rule B13.18,as a result of their supporters throwing objects toward the field of play and the match officials, Shooting Stars will pay N1million, bring to total to M3million in addition to N2m to be paid for damages to Ikorodu City bus.

According to the ruling, the panel ordered the closure of the Lekan Salami Stadium to fans for the rest of the season.

Shooting Stars, under Rule C26, is required to within 48 hours, indicate acceptance of the ruling or elect to appeal the decisions.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Tuesday emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Coal City Cup after defeating Remo Stars of Ikenne in a Southwest derby in the final played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The match saw the two teams failing to score a goal in the normal regulation time with the pre-season tournament heading to penalties.

Remo Stars lost two penalties with their neighbour scoring all their kicks to emerge winner as the two teams continue to prepare for the new season.

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Speaking after the game, Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, while praising the organisers of the tournament, the former Enyimba coach said the games has helped him to access his players ahead of the fast-approaching Nigeria Premier Football League season.

“I have been able to see all the players in match situations,” he said. “That has given me the opportunity to rate the players and I now know what to do when we start our close camping later next week.

“The good thing about the tournament, apart from the fact we won the trophy is that all my players played a part in one or two matches.

“My job is easy now, because I know the area to concentrate on, when the final phase of camping starts.”

Enyimba’s defender Desmond Ojiefefian has completed his move to Shooting Stars.

The deal has been finalized and the player is expected to join his new club next week.

Ojiefefian is a talented defender and his addition to Shooting Stars’ squad is expected to strengthen their defensive line.

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The details of the transfer fee and the length of the contract have not been disclosed yet.

Ojiefefian was a member of Enyimba squad last season that finished the season in third spot and he is a ball playing defender who always controls the game from back with a commanding presence.

Long-standing rivals, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and Enugu Rangers are set to face off this evening in a battle for 203/24 NPFL title supremacy and the coveted spot in the continental competitions.

The match will air live on StarTimes Beta Sports channel 244 at 5:30pm.

Historically, both clubs have been dominant forces in Nigerian football, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, often vying for top honours in the league.

With a victory, Enugu Rangers will get closer to securing their eighth  NPFL title, a feat not achieved since 2016.

Currently leading the league table with 64 points, the Flying Antelopes have exerted dominance throughout the season. They will however face a formidable challenge in Shooting Stars, who currently occupy the 4th position with 56 points.

The Oluyole Warriors, known for their passionate fan base and never-say-die attitude, will be eager to spoil Rangers’ title aspirations.  The match promises to be thrilling, with both teams vying for victory.  Shooting Stars will aim to capitalise on their home advantage and secure a win that could significantly impact the final standings and a place at the continental championship next season.

Shooting Stars have struggled against clubs from the Southeast this season, home and away, with a record of five losses, one draw, and one win.

Their first encounter this season saw Enugu Rangers secure a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars.

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The Flying Antelopes have managed to win three games and draw four away games this season.

Clashes  between these two storied clubs had always been a spectacle, and this match is no exception.  Fans from both sides are expected to fill the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere that will undoubtedly fuel the players’ performances.

Apparently aware of the crowd the encounter would pull, the Oluyole Warriors’ management has stepped up to map out strategies for adequate security and crowd management.

Executive Chairman of the club, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro, while speaking ahead of the tie, said the club would leave no stone unturned to ensure a hitch-free match, before, during and after the top of the bill clash.

“We have been on top of the situation since the start of the season. If you notice, there has never been any issue as far as breach of security and crowd trouble in our I, so for this game, we will do more because of the team (Rangers) involved,” said the 3SC boss.