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Shooting Stars Edge Plateau United as Ayodele’s Late Strike Seals Third Straight Win
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) continued their fine run of form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, clinching a dramatic 1–0 victory over Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Substitute Ismail Ayodele emerged the hero of the evening, scoring a stoppage-time winner to hand the Oluyole Warriors their third consecutive win of the season.
The encounter — a Match Day 7 fixture — lived up to its billing, as both teams battled fiercely for control from the first whistle. The hosts started brightly, pressing high and creating early openings. Abiodun went close twice in the 10th minute, forcing saves from the Plateau United goalkeeper, while Tijani’s low drive flashed narrowly wide.
Despite 3SC’s dominance, the visitors stood firm, with their goalkeeper and backline repelling waves of attacks. Sodiq Ibrahim headed over from an Utin cross in the 27th minute, and Promise Awosanmi’s effort later missed by inches as the first half ended goalless.
After the break, Shooting Stars maintained their attacking intent, with Ayobami Junior and Tijani testing the goalkeeper from distance. Plateau United, however, looked dangerous on the counter and earned a threatening free kick midway through the half, but the home defense held strong.
Coach Nurudeen Aweroro refreshed his attack with bold substitutions, bringing on Ismail Ayodele and Adams Mustapha for Sodiq and Promise — a decision that proved decisive. Ayodele nearly scored in the 76th minute but was denied by a desperate clearance.
Just when it appeared both sides would share the spoils, the decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, a clever move initiated by Kabir Tijani split open the Plateau defense, and Ayodele calmly slotted home to send the Ibadan faithful into wild celebration.
The late winner not only secured maximum points for Shooting Stars but also extended their winning streak to three matches — a strong statement of intent from Aweroro’s rejuvenated side.
The Oluyole Warriors will now shift focus to their next challenge — a tricky away fixture against Kano Pillars — as they aim to sustain their unbeaten run and continue their steady climb up the NPFL standings.