Match Report: Shooting Stars vs Rivers United

MATCH REPORT

Shooting Stars SC 2–1 Rivers United

We secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Rivers United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, with a stoppage-time winner sealing all three points for us in a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League encounter.

First Half

We began with intent and won an early free kick in the 1st minute after Gali Falke was fouled. Rivers United threatened shortly after, but goalkeeper Godgift produced a brilliant save in the 3rd minute to keep the scores level.

We continued to push forward. In the 10th minute, Lucky Emmanuel came close but his effort was defended for a corner. A few minutes later, Desmond Ojietefian attempted to find Sodiq Ibrahim with a pass in the 18th minute, but the striker was flagged offside.

Another opportunity came in the 23rd minute when we won a free kick, with Gali Falke getting on the end of it, though the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. We kept probing, and in the 26th minute, Ayodele Ismail was fouled to earn another free kick in a promising area.

We nearly broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim found himself with a clear chance, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 33rd minute. Ayobami Junior delivered a precise ball that found Sodiq Ibrahim, who powered a header into the net to give us a 1–0 lead.

We continued to threaten, and in the 39th minute, Sodiq Ibrahim was brought down during an attacking move, but the referee waved play on. The first half ended with us holding a 1–0 advantage.

Second Half

The second half resumed with us looking to extend our lead. Ayodele Ismail had a big chance in the 49th minute, but his header went straight to the goalkeeper.

Rivers United responded with attacking pressure, but Godgift came to the rescue again in the 53rd minute, producing a brilliant double save to keep us in front.

Substitutions followed in the 61st minute, with Qamar Adegoke and Justice Apaingolo replacing Ayobami Junior and Sodiq Ibrahim. Just two minutes later, Qamar Adegoke had an opportunity but his effort drifted wide.

Rivers United eventually found an equaliser in the 68th minute, bringing the game level at 1–1. We continued to push forward in search of a winner. In the 73rd minute, Qamar Adegoke attempted to drive into the box but the referee waved play on.

Another opportunity came in the 75th minute, when Ayodele Ismail had a big chance but his effort went over the crossbar. Further changes followed in the 80th minute, with Adams Mustapha replacing Ayodele Ismail.

Adams quickly got involved, striking a free kick in the 84th minute, but his effort went wide. Lucky Emmanuel also went close in the 89th minute, but his header missed the target.

Stoppage-Time Winner

We produced a decisive moment in stoppage time. In the 90+1 minute, Qamar Adegoke found the net to restore the lead and send the home fans into celebration.

A late substitution saw Adelowo Gbolagade replace Tijani Kabir in the 90+5 minute, before the referee brought the match to a close in the 90+7 minute.

Full-Time

It was a spirited and determined performance from us. We showed resilience, attacking intent, and composure in the closing moments to secure a dramatic victory and all three points in front of our home supporters.