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Shooting Stars Claim First NPFL26 Victory with 2-1 Win Over Kun Khalifat
Shooting Stars Sports Club recorded their first win of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Sunday, defeating Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The Oluyole Warriors wasted no time in thrilling their home supporters as captain Ghali Falke opened the scoring with a fine volley in the 6th minute. The early breakthrough set the tone, with Ayobami Junior controlling the midfield and Promise Awosanmi coming close to doubling the lead midway through the first half.
Kun Khalifat offered a response through a well-taken free kick in the 16th minute, but goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah was equal to the task, ensuring Shooting Stars went into the break ahead.
The hosts resumed with intent and were rewarded almost immediately, as Sodiq Ibrahim coolly converted in the 47th minute to extend the advantage. Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro later introduced fresh legs, including Monsoor Aliyu, Abiodun Adegoke, Kabir Tijani, and Wasiu Ganiyu, to maintain intensity.
Kun Khalifat, however, struck back in the 76th minute to set up a tense finish, but Shooting Stars’ defence, marshalled by Falke and Gbolagade Adelowo, stood firm to seal the victory.
Substitute Emmanuel Ndubueze made his season debut in the closing moments, replacing Utin Ikouwem.
The result ended Shooting Stars’ wait for their first three points of the campaign, lifting spirits across Ibadan ahead of their next outing. The Oluyole Warriors will travel to Ozoro to face Warri Wolves in Matchday 6 of NPFL26.