Match Report: Shooting Stars SC vs Enyimba FC

MATCH REPORT

Shooting Stars SC 3-0 Enyimba FC

We delivered a commanding performance at the Lekan Salami Stadium, recording an emphatic 3–0 victory over Enyimba FC to open the second stanza of the NPFL 2025/26 season in impressive fashion.

Fast Start and Early Control

We began the encounter on the front foot, setting the tone from the opening exchanges. In the 4th minute, Lucky Emmanuel had the first clear sight of goal but fired wide, while Sodiq Ibrahim followed up moments later with an effort that was blocked by an Enyimba defender.

Our pressure paid off in the 16th minute when we were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. Lucky Emmanuel stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to give us a deserved early lead.

Enyimba struggled to cope with our intensity, and frustration showed as Alex Aghahowa was booked in the 23rd minute.

Midfield Authority Before the Break

We continued to dictate proceedings through midfield, with Ayobami Junior controlling the tempo and driving play. He briefly went down in the 30th minute but recovered to continue, later trying his luck with a long-range effort that went wide in the 39th minute.

Joshua Akpan was fouled in the 41st minute, earning a free kick as we went into halftime firmly in control, having limited Enyimba to very few clear openings.

Sustained Pressure After the Restart

We resumed the second half with the same energy and intent. Joshua Akpan went close again in the 48th minute, narrowly missing the target. Tactical adjustments followed in the 56th minute as Tijani Kabir and Ayodele Ismail were introduced to maintain intensity and control.

A brief stoppage for medical attention to an Enyimba player interrupted the flow, but once play resumed, we continued to press. Ayobami Junior once again created an opening in the 67th minute, setting up Lucky Emmanuel, whose effort failed to find the target.

By the 73rd minute, chances were coming in quick succession, though the second goal remained elusive. Austin Onyeamachi was introduced in the 76th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.

Goals Seal a Dominant Display

Our persistence was rewarded in the 80th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the lead, finishing a well-worked move set up by Ayodele Ismail.

Further changes followed in the 87th minute, with Emmanuel Ndubueze and Qamar Adegoke replacing Sodiq Ibrahim and Ayobami Junior. The pressure continued, and in the 90th minute, Qamar Adegoke capped off the performance with a third goal to put the result beyond doubt.

A Statement Performance

It was a complete team display, solid defensively, composed in midfield, and relentless in attack. We begin the second half of the NPFL season with confidence and momentum, as attention now turns to our upcoming away fixture against Bayelsa United.