BY OUR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT IN IBADAN
THE Lekan Salami Stadium was treated to a celestial display on Sunday as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) lived up to their name, twinkling brightest in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance.
In a clash of NPFL titans, it was the “Oluyole Warriors” who found their orbit, ending Bendel Insurance’s formidable nine-match unbeaten run.
The Benin-based “Arsenal” had arrived in Ibadan with a reputation for being unbreakable, but they finally met a force they couldn’t insure against.
The Super Sub Shines
While the first half was a tactical stalemate, the second period saw the Stars truly align.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute, courtesy of the evening’s brightest star: Qamar Adegoke.
Having been introduced as a substitute by coach Nurudeen Aweroro, Adegoke proved to be the catalyst the home side needed.
After Insurance goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori had performed heroics to keep the hosts at bay with a stunning double save, he could do nothing when Adegoke latched onto a deflected corner from Ikouwem Utin.
The stadium erupted as the forward slotted home, proving that even against the tightest “Insurance” policy, the Stars will always find a way to shine.
Defensive Steel
It wasn’t just about the attack; the Stars’ defensive galaxy held firm. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal earned his stripes with a series of crucial interventions, most notably a late, sprawling save that denied Insurance an equalizer and ensured all three points stayed in Ibadan.
The victory catapults Shooting Stars to sixth in the table, level on points with the league’s front-runners and firmly back in the hunt for continental football.
3SC (4-3-3): Lawal; Falke, Utin, Aghahowa (Azeez 60), Ibrahim; Junior, Kabir, Lucky (Adegoke 60); [Rest of squad].
BENDEL INSURANCE (4-4-2): Ofori; [Squad details]; Akpan.
