Shooting Stars defender Damilola Adelowo is banking on faith and determination as the Oluyole Warriors prepare for a decisive CAF Confederation Cup clash against CS Sfaxien, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club will take a narrow 1-0 lead into Sunday’s second-leg meeting with the Tunisian giants at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax.

Salisu Yusuf’s side secured the advantage in the first leg and will now need to avoid defeat in Tunisia to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Adelowo and his teammates arrived in Sfax on Wednesday and have continued preparations for what promises to be a demanding encounter.

The defender remains confident that Shooting Stars can complete the job away from home and return to Nigeria with another positive result.

“Tunisia, be good to us!” Adelowo wrote on X.

“We pray that this land favours us, that God goes before us, and that our CAF second-leg match ends in victory.

“May grace speak for us, may favour locate us, and may we return home with joy.”

Shooting Stars will be hoping their first-leg advantage proves enough to see them through, as they aim to continue their continental campaign and make a strong statement against the experienced Tunisian outfit.

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has warned his players to expect an even tougher battle in Tunisia after the Oluyole Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian side produced a disciplined defensive display to protect their slender advantage, with Yusuf praising his players for frustrating the Tunisian giants while admitting that the hosts had enough opportunities to win by a more convincing margin.

“CS Sfaxien are a tactical side. They tried to survive with long balls, but they could not break our defence. We took advantage of our opportunity, scored the only goal and were able to defend it,” Yusuf said.

The coach was, however, disappointed by the number of chances Shooting Stars failed to convert, insisting that the game could have been put beyond CS Sfaxien before the final whistle.

“We would have scored two or three goals in this game, but we lost many chances,” he added.

Yusuf expects CS Sfaxien to approach the second leg with greater intensity but believes his team will also be ready for the challenge when they travel to Tunisia.

“They fought here, and we are going to fight them too. We are not going to play the same way we played here,” he said.

The Shooting Stars boss also pointed to a noticeable difference between his team’s performance in the first and second halves, with the hosts producing their most organised display before the break.

“In the first half, 3SC played a very coordinated game. Tactically, we were more technical in the first half than in the second half,” Yusuf explained.

CS Sfaxien increased the pressure after the interval, forcing Shooting Stars into a more defensive posture. Yusuf acknowledged the pressure but stressed that protecting their advantage would be crucial in the return fixture, particularly if his team fails to score.

“The Tunisians pushed us too much. If we can't score goals in Tunisia, we need to protect our goal line,” Yusuf said.

With only one goal separating the two sides, Yusuf knows the return leg could be a completely different proposition.

“It’s going to be a real game in Tunisia,” he warned.

Shooting Stars captain Ismail Ghali Falke also backed the team to show the necessary fighting spirit when they travel to Tunisia.

“By God’s grace, we will go to Tunisia and fight,” the captain said.

Shooting Stars marked their return to continental football with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Lucky Emmanuel proved to be the match-winner for the Oluyole Warriors, scoring in the 26th minute to hand the Nigerian side a valuable lead in the closely contested encounter in Abeokuta.

Shooting Stars then produced a disciplined defensive display to protect their advantage for the remainder of the match and secure a memorable victory on their return to continental competition after 27 years.

The result gives the Oluyole Warriors a crucial advantage ahead of the next leg as they continue their quest to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Shooting Stars will now shift their attention to the return fixture, where they will look to complete the job and book their place in the next stage of the competition.

Tunisian powerhouse CS Sfaxien have arrived in Nigeria ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash with Shooting Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The North African club touched down in the country as they begin their preparations for the important continental encounter, which will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Both sides will be aiming to secure an advantage in the first leg before travelling to Tunisia for the return fixture, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

Shooting Stars will be hoping to make full use of their home advantage against the experienced Tunisian outfit and put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg.

CS Sfaxien, meanwhile, will be looking to use their continental experience to secure a positive result on Nigerian soil.

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ranchers Bees stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for the Oga Boys in the 30th minute.

Ikorodu City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net, before Farouk Salami converted a penalty in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Rivers United announced their intentions with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, handing last season’s runners-up a comfortable start.

Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Shola Abdulraheem gave Pillars an early lead in the 12th minute before Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage 17 minutes later.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, before completing the comeback with a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Alex Oweilayefa then scored two minutes into the second half to complete Insurance’s comeback.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged Enyimba 2-1. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, while Wonah Williams restored parity for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi, however, struck seven minutes later to secure all three points for Tornadoes.

Barau FC also enjoyed a winning NPFL debut, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa five minutes later.

Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later. Atule’s early goal also marked the beginning of his pursuit of a personal target of 20 goals this season.

Reigning champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong put Katsina ahead in the 38th minute before Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers in the seventh minute of added time.

Rangers’ equaliser came after Katsina United goalkeeper parried Oputa’s effort into his own net.

Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow returnees Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute to complete a winning return for the hosts.

With the opening round producing goals, comebacks and late drama, Ikorodu City emerge as the early pace-setters in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

Matchday 1 results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has immediately shifted his attention to the CAF Confederation Cup after guiding the Oluyole Warriors to a winning start in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Shooting Stars defeated newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, with goals from Lucky Emmanuel and Sodiq Ibrahim securing maximum points and handing the club their first opening-day victory in three years.

Lucky opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Inter Lagos captain Uchenna Njoku restored parity seven minutes later. The hosts continued to search for a second goal, with Desmond and Lucky coming close before the latter was brought down inside the box on the stroke of half-time.

Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and restore Shooting Stars’ lead heading into the break. The Oluyole Warriors held firm after the restart to secure all three points.

Yusuf, however, believes the encounter will serve as useful preparation for the club’s continental assignment against CS Sfaxien on Saturday in Abeokuta.

“We are going to play on the continent next in Abeokuta, and our focus is there at the moment. We will see how we can get the team to play better than this,” Yusuf said.

“This game will give them more match fitness, and that will help us in our next game.”

The Shooting Stars coach also hinted at the possible inclusion of former Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima in the squad for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

“Sochima trained with us and he brings good experience that can help the team,” Yusuf added.

Shooting Stars will now look to carry their positive domestic start into their continental campaign as they prepare for the first-leg encounter with CS Sfaxien.

Shooting Stars opened their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Oluyole Warriors took the lead in the 15th minute through Lucky Emmanuel, but Inter Lagos quickly responded as Damilare Adigun equalised seven minutes later.

Shooting Stars restored their advantage in the second minute of first-half added time after Sodiq Ibrahim converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.

Inter Lagos pushed for an equaliser after the restart, but Shooting Stars remained resolute to secure maximum points in their opening fixture of the season.

The hosts also enjoyed the better share of possession, recording 58 percent and registering 11 shots, including four on target. Inter Lagos managed five shots, with only one finding the target.

The result gives Shooting Stars an early boost in the new campaign, while Inter Lagos will hope to respond positively in their next fixture.

Nigerian clubs competing in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions have been handed an August 15 deadline to submit their squad lists for the first preliminary round, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The deadline affects all Nigerian representatives in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with Rangers International and Rivers United set to compete in the Champions League, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the Confederation Cup.

The four clubs are expected to complete the registration of their eligible players and submit their official squad lists to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the deadline.

Failure to meet the registration requirements could create complications for the clubs ahead of their opening preliminary-round fixtures and potentially affect the eligibility of players to feature in the continental competitions.

The deadline comes as the Nigerian representatives intensify preparations for their respective CAF campaigns, with the clubs hoping to advance through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the lucrative group stages.

Former Shooting Stars head coach Nurudeen Aweroro has denied allegations that he collected money from players during his time at the club, insisting that anyone making such claims should provide evidence.

Aweroro left the Oluyole Warriors by mutual consent last Saturday after guiding the Ibadan club to third place in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, securing their first continental qualification in 27 years. NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The coach’s departure also affected assistant coach Shakiru Lawal and team manager Tammy Tamuno, while the club prepares for its return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have been drawn against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Speaking on Yoruba sports programme Gbagede Ere Idaraya with Sola Aiyegbajeje in Ibadan, Aweroro strongly rejected the allegations.

“Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty,” Aweroro said.

He explained that while some players occasionally wanted to appreciate him financially, he never demanded money from them.

Aweroro cited Qamar Adegoke, who was struggling for goals at the time, saying he prayed for the striker and challenged him to score at least 10 goals. According to the coach, when Adegoke wanted to send him money, he instructed him to give it to the fans instead.

He also mentioned Alade Balogun, whom he brought from Ikorodu City, as another player who could confirm that he never requested financial favours from him.

“You see these players, there are some among them that I give money to, and there are some that I buy boots for.”

Aweroro also revealed that his time at Shooting Stars came with considerable pressure, despite achieving the club's objective of securing continental football.

The coach disclosed that he experienced a serious health scare during his time in charge and was advised by doctors to rest, but remained focused on achieving the club's target.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are reportedly considering former Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo for the vacant position. The 57-year-old, who guided Rangers to the NPFL title in 2016, is reportedly open to the move, although negotiations with Abia Warriors would still need to be concluded.

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is also believed to be among the leading candidates for the job.

Shooting Stars will begin their 2026/27 NPFL campaign against Inter Lagos in Ibadan on August 28 before turning their attention to their CAF Confederation Cup tie against CS Sfaxien.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have parted ways with head coach Nurudeen Aweroro by mutual consent, with the club also announcing the departure of team manager Tammy Tamuno and assistant coach Shakiru Lawal, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The decision comes weeks after Aweroro guided the Oluyole Warriors to an impressive third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, securing the club a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

In a statement, 3SC confirmed that the decision followed discussions with the affected members of the technical team, with all parties agreeing to terminate their respective contracts with immediate effect.

“We have reached a mutual agreement with Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, Team Manager Tammy Tamuno and Assistant Coach Shakiru Lawal to bring their respective contracts with the club to an end, with immediate effect.

“The decision follows discussions between the club and the affected members of the technical team, with both parties agreeing to part ways amicably.”

The Ibadan-based club expressed appreciation to Aweroro, Tamuno and Lawal for their commitment and professionalism during their time with the Oluyole Warriors.

3SC particularly acknowledged their role in the club’s impressive 2025/26 campaign, which ended with a third-place finish and qualification for continental football.

“The Club particularly acknowledges their efforts in helping Shooting Stars achieve a third-place finish in the 2025/26 NPFL season and secure a continental ticket.

“We thank them immensely for their service and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours and continued success in their careers.”

The club added that its remaining assistant coaches have been instructed to oversee the technical department on an interim basis while management works towards appointing a substantive head coach.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, are assured of a financial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), even if they are eliminated in the preliminary rounds, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

CAF has confirmed that every club knocked out during the qualifying stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000.

The initiative is part of the continental governing body's efforts to strengthen African club football by providing financial assistance to participating teams and encouraging greater involvement in its premier inter-club competitions.

As a result, Nigeria's four representatives will each be eligible for the financial support should their campaigns end in the opening qualifying rounds.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in clubs across Africa, stressing that more teams should benefit from the governing body's growing commercial success and football development programmes.

The solidarity payments are expected to ease the financial burden on participating clubs, improve their operational capacity, and enhance their competitiveness on the continental stage as CAF continues to expand support for African club football.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, will learn their preliminary round opponents on Thursday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the official draws in Cairo, Egypt, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The draws for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will be held at CAF headquarters on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time (11:00 GMT), while the CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time (12:00 GMT).

Rangers International and Rivers United will fly Nigeria's flag in the CAF Champions League after securing top finishes in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season.

Shooting Stars and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for all four Nigerian clubs as they begin their campaigns in pursuit of continental glory during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Nigerian clubs Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars will begin their quests for continental success in September after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the fixture schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the timetable released by CAF, the opening preliminary round of both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches will take place between October 16 and 18, while the decisive return fixtures are slated for October 23 to 25.

The group stage of both tournaments is expected to get underway at the end of November, with clubs across the continent battling for continental honours.

CAF has also retained its enhanced prize money structure, with the winners of the CAF Champions League set to receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United in the CAF Champions League after both clubs secured qualification through their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will fly the Nigerian flag alongside the winners of the 2026 President Federation Cup, completing the country's quartet of representatives in continental competition.

The Nigerian clubs will be aiming to make a strong impression and improve the country's standing in African club football when the new continental season gets underway.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to stop using the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, as their home ground for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decision was communicated to the Oluyole Warriors after a league assessment found that the playing surface at the stadium had deteriorated badly and no longer meets the minimum standard required for top-flight matches. The NPFL cited concerns over player safety and the overall quality of games played on the pitch.

As a result, Shooting Stars have been instructed to immediately make arrangements for an alternative home venue for their remaining league fixtures. The NPFL has proposed two options to the club: the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta or a suitable stadium in Lagos.

The ruling is expected to trigger urgent logistical adjustments for the Ibadan-based side as they seek a new base to complete the current NPFL campaign.

Enyimba FC produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat Shooting Stars Sports Club 3–0 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People’s Elephant took control of the contest with a first-half breakthrough and showed defensive resilience before sealing the 3-0 victory with two well-taken goals late in the second half.

Chinedu Ufere, opened score on 17 minute when Samuel Nweke threaded a precise through ball into his path, as he made no mistake in an unmarked position, unleashing a powerful shot past Shooting Stars goalkeeper Ozovehe to give Enyimba the lead.

Shooting Stars attempted to respond, winning a series of free kicks and corners, but their efforts were either blocked by the Enyimba wall or wasted from promising positions.

The visitors were handed a golden opportunity to draw level four minutes after the restart when they were awarded a penalty. However, Gbolagade was denied by an excellent save from Anozie Henry, whose quick reactions preserved Enyimba’s lead.

Shooting Stars dominated possession for long spells in the second half, but Enyimba's substitutions midway through the half, introducing Eddidong Ezekiel, Henry Ndedi, and Christian Molokwu, proved decisive.

Against the run of play, Enyimba struck again in the 84th minute through a swift counterattack. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa released Eddidong Ezekiel, who beat his marker and calmly rounded the goalkeeper to double the home side’s advantage.

Deep into stoppage time, Enyimba capped a dominant finish with a third goal. Ezekiel turned provider this time, flicking the ball into the path of Chidera Michael, who tapped into an empty net to complete a convincing victory.

The win moves Enyimba FC to 8th position while 3SC drop 7th after 19 matches played.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.

There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.

Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute

Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.

Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.

Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.

One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.

Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.

However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.

Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.

Uche Dozie 

Newly promoted sides, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat enjoined away victories whole Shooting Stars continued their fine form in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 9 installments, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

It was sweet victory for Delta State side, Warri Wolves following their 1-2 win over multiple champions, Enyimba at the Enyimba Stadium.

Mohammed Hussaini 's own goal after 18 minutes broke the deadlock of the Seasiders before Edidiong Ezekiel brought the game to equilibrium.

Tejiri Emonena however score on 67 minutes to give the visitors a vital win over the league giants.

The Pride of Imo, Kun Khalifat smarting from a 1-0 win to Enyimba last week continued on a winning note to beat former FA Cup winners, Bayelsa United 1-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao.

Uche Moses had put the visitors ahead nine minutes into the second half before Jawad Mustapha restored parity for the hosts on the 62nd minutes  from the spot.

With thirteen minutes left to the final whistle Olubode Hassan scored what proved to be the winner.

In Kano, it was another win for the newbies as Barau FC cake from behind to edge their senior brothers, Kano Pillars 2-1 in the Dabo derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

After captain Rabiu Aliyu had put Pillars ahead in the twentieth minute, but their was an impressive surge from the Ma Boys  Yahaya Ibrahim in the 50th minutes and Stanley Oganbor in the 76th minutes changed their fortunes.

Shooting Stars Sports Club continued their impressive form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a dominant 2–0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.

Goals from Ayobami Junior in the 20th minutes and an 86th minute strike from substitute Qamar Adegoke sealed the deal for the Oluyole Warriors.

Uche Dozie

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep concern following reports and viral videos showing fans invading the pitch after the Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars on Sunday evening, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

In an official statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), the NPFL condemned the unruly scenes in strong terms, describing them as completely unacceptable in modern football.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Owumi said.

He noted that the league body is currently awaiting official match reports and full video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Owumi assured that the NPFL is treating the situation with utmost seriousness and pledged that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow after a thorough review.

“This isolated incident is being handled with the gravity it deserves, and the necessary sanctions will be applied once the reports are reviewed,” the statement added.

The NPFL also confirmed that it has been in constant communication with the match officials and the Shooting Stars delegation to ensure their safety following the chaotic scenes.

Owumi reaffirmed the league’s commitment to upholding professionalism and maintaining a safe environment for all participants and supporters.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” he concluded.

The league management’s swift response highlights its zero-tolerance policy toward crowd violence as it continues efforts to enhance the image and integrity of the NPFL.