Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan secured a crucial 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance on Saturday, extending their impressive run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). A late strike from Godwin Odibo proved decisive in a fiercely contested encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The match was a tactical battle between Shooting Stars' head coach Gbenga Ogunbote and his counterpart, Greg Ikhenoba of Bendel Insurance. Both teams displayed resilience, with the visitors putting up a solid defensive performance, frustrating the home side for much of the game.
Bendel Insurance started the game strongly, pushing the Oluyole Warriors back with quick attacking transitions. However, Shooting Stars' defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal making crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Despite Insurance’s attacking intent, the first half ended goalless as both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The Benin Arsenal relied on goalkeeper Joshua Baba and their defensive setup to keep the scoreline intact.
Shooting Stars emerged from the break with renewed intensity, determined to break down their opponents. Ogunbote made tactical adjustments, introducing Mustapha Adams and Ukeme Williams to increase their attacking threat.
The substitutions made an impact as the hosts piled pressure on Insurance's defense. The introduction of Odibo and Ekeson Okorie further tilted the game in Shooting Stars’ favor, as they relentlessly searched for a breakthrough.
With time running out and tension mounting, Odibo, who had just joined the club days earlier, became the hero. Latching onto a rebound from Mustapha Adams' shot, he fired past Joshua Baba to send the home fans into wild celebrations.
The solitary goal was enough to secure all three points, keeping Shooting Stars unbeaten in their last eight matches. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal also extended his clean sheet tally to an impressive 11 for the season.
The victory ensured that 3SC maintained their second-place position in the NPFL standings, keeping them in contention at the top. Ogunbote’s tactical prowess once again proved vital in securing a hard-fought win.
Shooting Stars will now shift focus to their rescheduled Matchday 20 fixture against Kwara United in Ilorin on Wednesday, as they continue their push for league glory.
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