NPFL: Late goal from substitute Odibo earns Shooting Stars’ slim win to stay second
Substitute Godwin Odibo scored after 81 minutes on Saturday to give Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Football Club of Ibadan a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance FC of Benin.
Victory in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 23 fixture at the Lekan Stadium helped the Oluyole Warriors consolidate their hold on second place.
They now have 40 points from 22 matches, after 12 wins and four draws, and eight points behind league leaders Remo Stars FC of Ikenne, who also won 2-1.
The league leaders, who have played one game more than 3SC, beat visiting Kano Pillars and look to be heading towards their first-ever national title.
The match in Ibadan was an end-to-end affair in the opening minutes, with the visitors holding their own through crisp passes to push back their hosts.
However, 3SC had more of the ball with good runs into the flanks for a few scary moments, which were not translated into goals due to poor finishing.
They played with more intensity in the first half’s last 20 minutes, but a string of errors made them not to find the necessary rhythm to overwhelm their battling guests.
Bendel Insurance returned for the second half, refusing to yield ground in spite of intense pressure. With the hosts’ poor finishing off a major undoing, relief only came through Odibo.
He latched on to a cleared ball to blast a low shot into the net from the right side of Bendel Insurance’s penalty area during a sustained offensive.
With this win, the 3SC are safely secured in the second spot, holding a five-point advantage over nearest rivals Rivers United.
The Port Harcourt side are in third place with 35 points and host Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Sunday.
In other Match Day 23 fixtures played on Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri beat Nasarawa United of Lafia 1-0 to stay in fourth place.
Katsina United FC had beaten Heartland FC of Owerri on Friday in another one of the weekend’s fixtures.
On Sunday, fifth-placed Rangers International of Enugu visits Bayelsa United in Yenagoa, while sixth-placed Abia Warriors host Sunshine Stars of Akure in Umuahia.
Niger Tornadoes will host Plateau United of Jos in Minna, while Akwa United host Enyimba International of Aba in Uyo and Ikorodu City FC host Kwara United of Ilorin in Lagos.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Lawal raises 15-man committee to probe fire incident after death of 17 almajirai
Mr Tudu said that the committee would also suggest appropriate support for those affected to facilitate recovery.
States
Leaders sanction dialogue on resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland
The communiqué stated that the Congress of Ogoni People supported the dialogue between the Federal Government and Ogoni leaders and acknowledged the commencement of Ogoni-wide consultations.
NationWide
FG considers tolling of more roads, says works minister
Mr Umahi stated that where roads were completed years ago but had deteriorated, agreements would be reached with stakeholders on necessary maintenance.
States
Imo community seeks rule of law over appointment of president-general
The leaders noted that any effort by an individual or group to preempt the court would amount to contempt.
States
New Kano SSG, Umar Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect Monday
Mr Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service experience to his new role.
