In a thrilling weekend roundup of matches on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Day 7, the Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan showcased their dominance, trouncing visiting Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna with a resounding 4-1 victory. The 2023/2024 NPFL fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium was a spectacular showcase of skill and determination.
From the very first minute, the hosts demonstrated their intent, with Ayobami Adekunle scoring a spectacular goal in the 17th minute. The crowd was electrified and eagerly anticipated more goals from their team. However, the visiting goalkeeper, Enaholo, displayed remarkable saves to thwart the host’s attempts.
A pivotal moment came as the heavens opened, altering the course of the game. In the 35th minute, the host’s goalkeeper, Chinedu Anozie, inadvertently gifted the visitors an equalizer when he spilled a shot, allowing Ernest Okakwe to capitalize. Nevertheless, Shooting Stars quickly regrouped in the second half, with Ayodele Bamidele regaining the lead for the home side within seconds.
The hosts continued their relentless assault, as Gbolagade Adelowo extended their lead with a goal in the 64th minute, and substitute Kareem Ayinde sealed the deal with a goal in the 87th minute, making it a decisive 4-1 win for Shooting Stars.
This spectacular victory catapulted Shooting Stars to the second position on the 2023/2024 NPFL table, with 13 points from seven matches, comprising four wins, one draw, and two losses. Their goal tally stands at 11 goals scored and nine conceded.
Meanwhile, in another NPFL Day 7 fixture, Doma United clashed with Gombe United at the Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe. Despite Gombe United playing host, the fans from both clubs displayed remarkable unity and peaceful conduct throughout the match, earning commendation from Doma United’s head coach, Akinade Onigbinde.
Doma United secured a convincing 3-0 victory, with Emmanuel Jesam scoring a brace in the 54th and 86th minutes, while Emmanuel Ekpenyong contributed a goal in the 52nd minute. The unity and support shown by the fans left a lasting impression on the coach, who praised his players for their clinical performance.
However, Gombe United’s coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, declined to comment after the match.
The electrifying weekend action also featured several other thrilling fixtures:
- Abia Warriors FC triumphed over Katsina United FC with a 2-1 scoreline.
- Rangers International FC secured a 2-0 win against Heartland FC.
- Akwa United FC and Plateau United FC played to a goalless draw.
- Bendel Insurance FC narrowly defeated Remo Stars FC with a 1-0 scoreline.
- Rivers United FC and Sunshine Stars FC battled to a 1-1 draw.
- Enyimba International FC secured a 1-0 victory against Kwara United FC.
Additionally, fans can look forward to more excitement on Monday as Bayelsa United FC takes on Lobi Stars FC, and Sporting Lagos FC faces Kano Pillars FC in two more highly anticipated NPFL fixtures. The 2023/2024 NPFL season continues to provide fans with thrilling football action and unforgettable moments.
