QAMAR’S STOPPAGE-TIME HEROICS GIVE SHOOTING STARS DRAMATIC WIN OVER RIVERS UNITED
Shooting Stars Sports Club produced a spirited display to edge Rivers United in their rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League encounter, with substitute Adegoke Qamar emerging the hero after striking deep into stoppage time to secure a thrilling victory.
The highly anticipated clash was played in a tense atmosphere, as both sides began the match with attacking intent. Early exchanges saw a flurry of chances created at both ends, with quick counter-attacks, solid defending and sharp goalkeeping keeping the contest evenly balanced.
However, the match was overshadowed at intervals by contentious refereeing decisions that frustrated players and officials of the Ibadan-based side. Several calls by the centre referee drew strong protests from the home team, with many in the stadium questioning the consistency of the officiating. Even after officials of Shooting Stars approached the reserve referee to express their concerns, the situation did little to change the tone of the officiating.
Amid the growing tension, Shooting Stars managed to take the lead in the 34th minute through their in-form striker Sodiq Ibrahim. The forward rose above the Rivers United defence to head home a well-delivered cross from Ayobami Junior after a carefully constructed move from midfield, where Junior combined effectively with Kabir Tijani. The goal gave the Oluyole Warriors a deserved advantage heading into halftime.
Rivers United, coached by Finidi George, returned from the break with renewed purpose. The visitors gradually gained control of possession and began to mount sustained pressure on the Shooting Stars defence.
Their persistence eventually produced results when Wasiu Falolu completed a well-worked attacking move to restore parity, leaving the game delicately poised as the clock ticked down.
Rather than retreat, Shooting Stars responded with determination, pushing forward in search of another breakthrough. The coaching crew introduced fresh legs in attack, a move that injected renewed energy and urgency into the home side’s play.
Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion in the closing moments of the match.
In the 92nd minute, substitute Adegoke Qamar capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired it past Rivers United goalkeeper Osagie, sparking wild celebrations at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The late goal sealed a hard-earned victory for the Oluyole Warriors, whose resilience and fighting spirit proved decisive despite the distractions that marked the encounter.
Shooting Stars will now shift focus to their next league outing against Wikki Tourists at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where they will look to build on this crucial win in front of their supporters.