NPFL: Pressure Eases on Salisu Yusuf as Shooting Stars Halt Winless Streak against Ranchers Bees
By Amaechi Agbo
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) broke their five-match winless spell in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a commanding 3-1 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees under the floodlights at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Friday evening.
The crucial Matchday 9 win gives under-pressure Technical Adviser Salisu Yusuf a massive sigh of relief as the Oluyole Warriors successfully climbed away from the bottom four positions on the league table at least on the interim.
The home side asserted dominance early. Desmond Ojietefian gave Shooting Stars a perfect start, breaking the deadlock with a neat finish in the 14th minute following continuous offensive pressure.
On the dot of 38th minute, Ranchers Bees capitalized on defensive complacency when Isah Ndala Aliyu pulled the visitors level, temporarily silencing the passionate Ibadan crowd.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Damilola Akinola restored the advantage for 3SC, converting a vital opportunity to send the hosts into the locker room ahead.
Shooting Stars had a golden chance to stretch their lead in the 52nd minute from the penalty spot after Ibrahim Inuwa committed a handball. However, Sodiq Ibrahim’s effort was spectacularly saved by Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Issa Yusuf.
Substitute Qamar Adegoke put the game beyond the reach of the visitors, netting nineteen minutes from time to ensure maximum points stayed in Ibadan.
With this result, Shooting Stars provisionally jump to 12th place on the NPFL ladder, gathering 11 points from 9 outings. Conversely, Ranchers Bees sink further down the standings after enduring their fifth loss of the ongoing 2026/27 campaign.
