Club Statement: Orire
CLUB STATEMENT OUR HEARTS ARE WITH ORIRE After 27 years, Shooting Stars Sports Club has secured qualification for a CAF continental tournament, a milestone that reflects resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of our loyal fans, stakeholders, and the good people of Oyo State. Ordinarily, this would be a moment of celebration for our great club and the entire football family. However, our joy is deeply tempered by the heartbreaking reports of the abduction of school children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. At times like this, football reminds us that beyond the game, we are one people and one community. Shooting Stars Sports Club humbly dedicates this achievement to the innocent children and teachers currently in captivity, while offering heartfelt prayers for their safe and immediate return to their families and loved ones. To the affected families and communities, we stand with you in this difficult moment. The entire Shooting Stars family shares in your pain, hope, and prayers. May this painful situation end swiftly with healing, comfort, and joyful reunions. SignedManagementShooting Stars Sports Club
Match Preview: Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars
MATCH PREVIEW NIGER TORNADOES VS SHOOTING STARS SC The curtain falls on the NPFL 2025/2026 season this weekend as Shooting Stars Sports Club travel to Minna for a crucial final-day clash against Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium. For the Oluyole Warriors, it is one final opportunity to end the season strongly and keep continental qualification hopes alive after an intense and competitive campaign. With plenty still at stake, the final 90 minutes promise to be decisive. FORM & MOMENTUM Shooting Stars head into this fixture with confidence and momentum following recent positive performances, including a President Federation Cup victory that secured qualification to the Round of 32. The team has continued to show resilience, discipline, and attacking quality in the closing stages of the season. The Oluyole Warriors currently sit 3rd on the NPFL table with 60 points and know that a positive result in Minna could prove decisive in the race for the top positions. After a consistently competitive campaign, Shooting Stars will be determined to finish on a strong note. Niger Tornadoes, however, will pose a difficult challenge as they battle to avoid relegation on the final day. The hosts sit 18th with 45 points and will be desperate for victory in front of their supporters. Despite going winless in their last five league matches, recording three draws and two defeats, Tornadoes remain a physically competitive side, especially at home. TEAM NEWS – NIGER TORNADOES Niger Tornadoes are expected to rely on a direct attacking approach built around striker Ismail Sarki, whose strength, pace, and aerial ability make him a constant threat. Abdul Rasheed Dabai offers danger from wide areas with his pace and dribbling, while Abdul Azeez Dalhatu provides creativity in midfield. The hosts are also expected to target crosses and second-ball situations. TEAM NEWS – SHOOTING STARS Ahead of the final game of the season, the Oluyole Warriors are managing a few injury concerns but are buoyed by recent national team call-ups. Ruled Out: Qamar Adegoke (Osteoarthritis) Samuel Okon (Achilles tendon) Adams Mustapha (Tibia and fibula) Doubtful: Alade Balogun remains a late fitness concern after sustaining an injury during the Federation Cup. Gali Falke, Awosanmi Promise, and Ganiyu Wasiu have returned to training and are available for selection. There was also positive news earlier in the week as Tijani Al-Ameen and Ayobami Junior earned call-ups to the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup, reflecting the team’s strong performances this season. The midfield setup is expected to remain consistent with Stephen Amos and Tijani Kabir, while Ekeocha Chukwudi, Olaoke Olajobi, and Charles Ribanu are all in contention for the matchday squad. In attack, Lucky Emmanuel, Sodiq Ibrahim, Joshua Akpan, and Austin Onyemaechi remain key options, bringing pace and attacking threat in the final third. FINAL OUTLOOK As the NPFL 2025/2026 season reaches its conclusion, both sides head into this encounter with plenty on the line. Shooting Stars will be aiming to finish strongly and sustain their continental push, while Niger Tornadoes face a must-win situation in their battle against relegation. With contrasting objectives and high stakes, fans can expect an intense and fiercely contested final-day showdown in Minna. MATCH DETAILS Fixture: Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars SCVenue: Bako Kontagora Stadium, MinnaDate: Sunday, May 24, 2026Kickoff: 4PM
Match Preview: Shooting Stars vs Barau FC
MATCH PREVIEW Shooting Stars SC vs Barau FC The Lekan Salami Stadium plays host for one final time this NPFL 2025/2026 season as we bring down the curtain on our home campaign against Barau FC. With continental football still firmly within reach, Sunday’s fixture carries stakes that could define an entire season. We have already made a strong mark at Adamasingba this term, and this weekend presents another opportunity to sign off in front of our supporters in a manner befitting of a club whose ambitions stretch far beyond the domestic stage. We claimed a 1–0 victory in the reverse fixture in Kano, and completing the double on Sunday would represent another major statement as the season approaches its conclusion. Form & Standings Shooting Stars: 4th · 57 pts | Gap to 3rd: 1 point | Gap to Leaders: 5 points Barau FC: 8th · 49 pts We head into this fixture on the back of a dramatic 3–2 victory over Nasarawa United, a result that reflected the resilience, attacking quality, and mentality within the squad. Three goals, late pressure, and maximum points. The momentum remains alive. With just two rounds of matches remaining, we sit only one point behind the continental qualification places. Victory on home soil would significantly strengthen our position heading into the final weekend. Barau FC arrive in Ibadan in impressive form themselves. The visitors, competing in their debut NPFL campaign, recorded a commanding 3–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors on Matchday 36, underlining the organisation and confidence within their side. Sitting 8th with 49 points, they travel with freedom and belief. Team News – Shooting Stars SC We head into the final home game of the season with a largely fit and motivated squad. In midfield, Stephen Amos, Tunde Azeez, and Adebayo Abayomi provide strong and experienced options capable of controlling the tempo and giving balance to the side. Further forward, Lucky Emmanuel, Qamar Adegoke, Sodiq Ibrahim, and Alade Balogun continue to offer pace, movement, and attacking threat. Injury List: Gali Falke (ankle) Samuel Okon (rehabilitation) Adams Mustapha (injured) Returning to Fitness: Awosanmi Promise Ganiyu Wasiu The Opposition – Barau FC In their inaugural NPFL season, Barau FC have developed a reputation as a disciplined and competitive side capable of troubling opponents home and away. Their 3–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors last time out was a clear reminder of the quality within their squad, and they will view Sunday’s trip to Adamasingba as another opportunity to make a statement. Players to Watch: Joseph Atule – pace and directness from wide areas Henry Ezeonye – lead striker and primary attacking outlet Usman Maidubuji – midfield presence who controls build-up and tempo Match Outlook Sunday represents one of the biggest moments of the season. This is a home fixture where the result carries enormous significance, where the supporters can play a decisive role, and where months of hard work could move us closer to continental qualification. We have the quality, momentum, and occasion to deliver. Barau FC will arrive with confidence and determination, but this is Adamasingba — and we know exactly what is at stake. Match Details Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, AdamasingbaDate: Sunday, 10th May 2026Kick-off: 4:00 PM
Match Report: Shooting Stars vs Nasarawa United
MATCH REPORT Shooting Stars SC 3–2 Nasarawa United We delivered a thrilling performance to edge Nasarawa United 3–2 in a five-goal encounter, showing resilience and attacking quality to secure all three points at home. First Half We made a dream start, taking the lead in just the 4th minute. Ayodele Ismail delivered a pinpoint cross that found Lucky Emmanuel, whose header broke the deadlock to make it 1–0. Momentum stayed with us, and after sustained pressure, including a free kick won by Ismail in the 8th minute and a defensive clearance from Desmond Ojietefian—we doubled our advantage in the 24th minute. A well-delivered corner from Ayobami Junior was met again by Lucky Emmanuel, who powered home his second header of the game to make it 2–0. We remained in control for much of the half, although Sodiq Ibrahim missed a chance earlier in the 15th minute. The visitors, however, pulled one back in the 41st minute to reduce the deficit to 2–1. After three minutes of added time, we went into the break with a narrow lead. Second Half We made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Qamar Adegoke. The game remained competitive, with Tijani Al-Ameen producing solid defensive work in the 51st minute. Nasarawa United found their equaliser in the 54th minute, capitalising on an error to make it 2–2 and set up a tense finish. Decisive Moment We had a golden opportunity to restore the lead in the 62nd minute when we were awarded a penalty, but Qamar Adegoke was unable to convert. We continued to push forward, with Ayodele Ismail briefly receiving medical attention in the 69th minute, while Justice Apaingolo made an important defensive block in the 72nd minute. Further changes followed in the 75th minute, with Tunde Azeez and Alade Balogun introduced. The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute. A well-worked move saw Ayobami Junior set up Qamar Adegoke, who made no mistake this time, firing home to restore our lead at 3–2. Full-Time Late substitutions in the 88th minute saw Adebayo Abayomi and Adelowo Gbolagade introduced as we looked to see out the game. After three minutes of added time, the referee brought the game to an end, confirming a hard-fought victory. It was a spirited performance, as we showed resilience to overcome setbacks and claim a crucial win in front of our home supporters. Attention now turns to the next fixture, as we prepare for another home game against Barau FC.
Match Preview: Shooting Stars vs Nasarawa United
MATCH PREVIEW Shooting Stars SC vs Nasarawa United We return to the Lekan Salami Stadium this weekend for a crucial Matchday 36 clash against Nasarawa United, with both teams pushing hard as the season enters its final stretch. With just three games remaining, every point is vital. Only a single point separates us, setting up a tightly contested encounter in Ibadan. Form & Momentum We head into this fixture with confidence following a solid 2–1 away victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. That result came after a goalless draw at home to Kwara United and reflects our determination to finish the season strongly. With our FA Cup run now behind us, full focus shifts to the league run-in. We currently sit 5th with 54 points from 35 matches, just one point off the continental spots and five behind the leaders. Nasarawa United are 6th with 53 points, sitting just behind us. The Solid Miners remain one of the more defensively organised sides in the league and arrive in Ibadan on the back of a convincing 3–0 home win. Head-to-Head • Shooting Stars Wins: 5• Nasarawa United Wins: 4• Draws: 1 Recent meetings have been closely contested, with the reverse fixture ending in a 1–0 win for Nasarawa United. Team News – Shooting Stars We head into this fixture with positives, alongside a few concerns. Gali Falke and Samuel Okon continue their rehabilitation, while Awosanmi Promise and Ganiyu Wasiu are nearing full fitness. Adams Mustapha is unavailable following a training injury. In midfield, the core is expected to remain steady, with Alex Aghahowa and Ekeocha Chukwudi in contention. In attack, Emmanuel Ohiobe and Joshua Akpan offer width, while Lucky Emmanuel leads the line. Sodiq Ibrahim, Qamar Adegoke, and Alade Balogun provide depth and creativity in the final third. Team News – Nasarawa United Nasarawa United arrive with key options across the pitch. Bright Emmanuel Amadi and Ifeanyi Okechukwu are expected to anchor the midfield, while Oluka Ngei remains a major attacking threat. Final Outlook This is a direct battle for position as the season winds down. A win for us would strengthen our push for a continental spot heading into the final two matches. For Nasarawa United, victory would see them leapfrog us and boost their own ambitions. Expect intensity, discipline, and a high-stakes contest at Adamasingba. Match Details Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, AdamasingbaDate: Sunday, 3rd May 2026Kick-off: 4:00 PM
Club Statement: Ibrahim Galadima
CLUB STATEMENT Shooting Stars Sports Club has received with deep sadness the news of the passing of former Nigeria Football Federation Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on April 18, 2026. The late Galadima was a respected football administrator whose contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian football remain significant. His leadership, dedication, and service to the game left a lasting impact across the football community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. SignedManagementShooting Stars Sports Club
Match Report: El Kanemi Warrior vs Shooting Stars
MATCH REPORT El-Kanemi Warriors 1–2 Shooting Stars SC We produced a spirited comeback performance to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, with substitute Qamar Adegoke scoring twice to seal all three points. First Half The hosts started with early intensity, but we nearly took the lead in the 4th minute when Ayodele Ismail’s effort went narrowly wide. Moments later, in the 8th minute, Ikuowem Utin delivered a dangerous cross, but Lucky Emmanuel was unable to connect. We suffered an early setback in the 19th minute as Tijani Kabir went down injured and was replaced by Ekeocha Chukwudi. The game remained evenly contested, with Desmond Ojietefian producing a crucial defensive block in the 23rd minute to keep the score level. However, El-Kanemi Warriors broke the deadlock in the 25th minute to take a 1–0 lead. We responded with attempts of our own. Ayodele Ismail tested the goalkeeper in the 34th minute, while Utin and Tijani Al-Ameen produced important defensive actions to keep the deficit at one goal. We pushed for an equaliser before the break, and in the 44th minute, Chukwudi’s cross found Sodiq Ibrahim, whose header was comfortably saved. After three minutes of added time, the hosts went into halftime with a narrow 1–0 advantage. Second Half We made an immediate change at the start of the second half, introducing Qamar Adegoke—and it proved decisive. Just a minute into the restart, Adegoke found the back of the net to level the score at 1–1 in the 46th minute. El-Kanemi responded with pressure, but Godgift produced a brilliant save in the 51st minute to keep us in the game. The contest grew more intense, with Justice Apaingolo shown a yellow card in the 56th minute, while Tijani Al-Ameen made a vital tackle in the 64th minute. After a brief pause in play in the 67th minute, we remained focused, with Godgift making another crucial save in the 72nd minute. Our defensive discipline continued, highlighted by another clearance from Al-Ameen in the 80th minute. Decisive Moment We came close to taking the lead in the 82nd minute when Lucky Emmanuel’s effort went off target. Two minutes later, we made further changes, introducing Adams Mustapha, Adelowo Gbolagade, and Adebayo Abayomi. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Qamar Adegoke struck again to complete the turnaround and give us a 2–1 lead. Full-Time Six minutes of added time were indicated, but we held firm defensively to see out the game and secure a valuable away victory. It was a resilient and determined performance, as we showed character to come from behind and claim all three points on the road. The result boosts our momentum as the NPFL season enters its decisive stage.
Match Preview: El Kanemi Warrior vs Shooting Stars
MATCH PREVIEW El-Kanemi Warriors vs Shooting Stars SC Matchday 35 takes us back on the road as we travel to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors at the El-Kanemi Stadium. With the season entering its final stretch, both teams still have plenty at stake in what promises to be a tight and competitive encounter. El-Kanemi come into this fixture on the back of a 1–0 home win over Nasarawa United. They currently sit 11th on 46 points, six clear of the drop, and will be looking to build on that result. Strong on home soil and well supported in Maiduguri, they remain a difficult side to break down. We arrive following a goalless draw against Kwara United, a result that felt like two points dropped at home. Currently 5th with 51 points and four off the continental places, our focus is now on delivering a strong response away from home as the run-in intensifies. Team News – El-Kanemi Warriors The hosts will rely on a mix of experience and attacking threat. Musa Bashir leads the line, while Daddy Abdul-Rahman continues to be a key presence in midfield, contributing 10 goals this season. Musa Zayyad provides defensive balance, with Ismail Muktar adding creativity through the middle. Team News – Shooting Stars We travel with a balanced squad for this fixture. Samuel Okon remains in rehabilitation, while Gali Falke continues his recovery from an ankle sprain. Ganiyu Wasiu and Awosanmi Promise have both returned to full training. In midfield, Tijani Kabir and Tunde Azeez are expected to anchor the setup, with Ekeocha Chukwudi and Adebayo Abayomi pushing for roles. In attack, Sodiq Ibrahim leads the line, supported by Lucky Emmanuel and Adams Mustapha, while Qamar Adegoke and Alade Balogun provide depth and options in the final third. Final Outlook This presents a proper test in Maiduguri. El-Kanemi will look to make their home advantage count, while we push to stay firmly in the race for a continental finish. We know what is at stake as the season approaches its decisive phase. Another big moment in the run-in. Match Details Venue: El-Kanemi Stadium, MaiduguriDate: Sunday, 18th April 2026Kick-off: 4:00 PM