Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) produced a spirited comeback performance to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, with substitute Qamar Adegoke scoring twice to seal all three points.
FIRST HALF
The hosts started with early intensity, but we nearly took the lead in the 4th minute when Ayodele Ismail’s effort went narrowly wide. Moments later, in the 8th minute, Ikuowem Utin delivered a dangerous cross, but Lucky Emmanuel was unable to connect.
Shooting Stars suffered an early setback in the 19th minute as Tijani Kabir went down injured and was replaced by Ekeocha Chukwudi.
The game remained evenly contested, with Desmond Ojietefian producing a crucial defensive block in the 23rd minute to keep the score level. However, El-Kanemi Warriors broke the deadlock in the 25th minute to take a 1–0 lead through John Zakka.
The Oluyole Warriors responded with attempts of their own. Ayodele Ismail tested the goalkeeper in the 34th minute, while Utin and Tijani Al-Ameen produced important defensive actions to keep the deficit at one goal.
Shooting Stars pushed for an equaliser before the break, and in the 44th minute, Chukwudi’s cross found Sodiq Ibrahim, whose header was comfortably saved. After three minutes of added time, the hosts went into halftime with a narrow 1–0 advantage.
SECOND HALF
The Ibadan club made an immediate change at the start of the second half, introducing Qamar Adegoke—and it proved decisive.
Just a minute into the restart, Adegoke found the back of the net to level the score at 1–1 in the 46th minute.
El-Kanemi responded with pressure, but Godgift produced a brilliant save in the 51st minute to keep 3SC in the game. The contest grew more intense, with Justice Apaingolo shown a yellow card in the 56th minute, while Tijani Al-Ameen made a vital tackle in the 64th minute.
After a brief pause in play in the 67th minute, 3SC remained focused, with Godgift making another crucial save in the 72nd minute. The away team’s defensive discipline continued, highlighted by another clearance from Al-Ameen in the 80th minute.
DECISIVE MOMENT
Shooting Stars came close to taking the lead in the 82nd minute when Lucky Emmanuel’s effort went off target.
Two minutes later, 3SC made further changes, introducing Adams Mustapha, Adelowo Gbolagade, and Adebayo Abayomi.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Qamar Adegoke struck again to complete the turnaround and give Nurudeen Aweroro’s side a 2–1 lead.
FULL-TIME
Six minutes of added time were indicated, but 3SC held firm defensively to see out the game and secure a valuable away victory.
It was a resilient and determined performance, as 3SC showed character to come from behind and claim all three points on the road.
The result boosts their momentum as the NPFL season enters its decisive stage.
© Shooting Stars Sports Club
