Shooting Stars secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over league leaders Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 28 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Thursday night. The result lifts Shooting Stars to sixth place in the standings while allowing Rivers United to retain its top position.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim converted a well-worked move, finishing from close range following a precise assist from Ayobami Abiodun. Rivers United responded in the second half, with Wasiu Falolu equalizing 21 minutes from full time to level the contest at 1-1.
Despite the pressure from the visiting league leaders, Shooting Stars found a decisive winner deep into stoppage time. Substitute Qamar Adegoke fired home from a tight angle to seal an emotional three points for the home side, extending their strong recent form at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The victory is a significant boost for Shooting Stars in their push for a higher league finish, moving them into the top half of the table. For Rivers United, the loss represents a rare setback in their title campaign, though they remain atop the log with a match in hand over several challengers.
Looking ahead, Shooting Stars will continue their home stand against Wikki Tourists in a matchday 30 fixture this weekend. Rivers United faces a challenging away trip to Ikorodu City on Sunday, as both teams aim to strengthen their respective positions in the closing stages of the NPFL season. The outcome underscores the competitive nature of the league, where results can significantly alter the dynamics of the title race and mid-table standings.
