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The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season kicked off in style in Ibadan on Friday as Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC of Ibadan began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at a packed Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
It was a night of passion, pride and politics as thousands of Oluyole Warriors faithful trooped out to cheer their team, a massive turnout significantly boosted by the grassroots mobilization of Hon. Engr. Dr. Aderemi Abass Oseni, member representing Ido/Ibarapa East federal constituency, and APC Candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District.
From the blast of the whistle, the Oluyole Warriors came out firing. Their attacking intent paid off in the 15th minute when winger Lucky Emmanuel latched onto a cross and fired a ferocious shot from inside the six-yard box to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Inter Lagos, however, refused to be cowed. The visitors drew level in the 22nd minute after capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse. Uchenna Njoku pounced on an error by 3SC captain Gbolagade Adelowo, calmly slotting home a pass from Iyede Kewe to make it 1-1.
The first half remained end-to-end. Inter Lagos goalkeeper Favour Bala was the busier of the two shot-stoppers, producing a brilliant 29th-minute save to deny Jobi from close range, before repeating the heroics in the 39th minute to keep out another dangerous effort from Lucky Emmanuel.
The breakthrough for 3SC came right on the stroke of half-time. Jamiu Arowolo was penalized for a clumsy challenge on Lucky Emmanuel inside the box. Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up and converted the 46th-minute penalty with ice-cold composure to restore Shooting Stars’ lead at 2-1.
The second half was a tactical battle. Both sides created half-chances but lacked the final cutting edge. Shooting Stars were handed another opportunity from the penalty spot but failed to convert, leaving the score at 2-1 until the final whistle.
Despite the missed chance, the result marked a perfect start for the Oluyole Warriors, three points, three goals involved, and maximum confidence ahead of tougher fixtures.
Beyond the 90 minutes, the biggest story off the pitch was the political and community support for the club.
Hon. Engr. Dr. Aderemi Abass Oseni, the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District and a well-known sports enthusiast, led a massive mobilization of youth and supporters to the stadium.
Through his Hon. Remi Oseni Committee of Friends, ROCOF, Youth Wing, hundreds of free tickets were distributed to residents across Ibadan to ensure the stadium was filled and the players felt the full weight of home advantage.
Speaking with Sporting Tribune, Mr. Alabi Ibrahim, popularly known as Otunba and Personal Assistant to Engr. Oseni, said the gesture was deliberate and people-centered.
Hon. Remi Oseni is a lover of sports and deeply passionate about Shooting Stars. This is one of the ways we can support the team and encourage them in their quest for glory this season. When our team wins, Ibadan wins, and Oyo South wins,*” Otunba stated.
The initiative drew commendation from fans who described it as a rare example of political leadership aligning with grassroots sports development.
The victory does more than put three points on the board. It signals intent from Gbenga Ogunbote’s side and reaffirms the bond between Shooting Stars and the people of Ibadan.
With political leaders like Hon. Aderemi Abas Oseni throwing their weight behind the club, 3SC’s campaign is getting both sporting and community backing, a combination that could prove vital in a long NPFL season.
As the Oluyole Warriors look to build on this momentum, one message was clear from Adamasingba on Friday night, Ibadan is behind Shooting Stars, and with leaders like Remi Oseni rallying support, the future looks bright for football in Oyo South.
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