In a clash that resurrected the golden era of Nigerian club football, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) delivered a performance for the ages, trouncing nine-time champions Enyimba FC 3-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Wednesday.
The Matchday 20 fixture, which marked the resumption of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after the festive break, was more than just a game; it was a statement of intent. The “Oluyole Warriors” didn’t just win—they exacted clinical revenge for the identical 3-0 defeat they suffered in Aba just weeks prior.
The atmosphere in Ibadan was electric from the blast of the whistle. 3SC, buoyed by a capacity home crowd, dictated the tempo early on. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when returning forward Lucky Emmanuel marked his debut with ice-cold composure. After a defensive lapse by the People’s Elephant resulted in a penalty, Emmanuel stepped up to slot the ball home, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Enyimba, led by captain Pascal Eze, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite the return of winger Ekene Awazie from a long-term injury, the Aba giants looked uncharacteristically toothless in the final third, stifled by a disciplined Shooting Stars midfield.
While Enyimba searched for an equalizer in the second half, the hosts remained patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That moment arrived in the 80th minute. Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the lead with a sensational finish, effectively breaking the spirits of the visitors.
With the game winding down, 3SC manager Gbenga Ogunbote introduced fresh legs, bringing on Qamar Adegoke. The substitution proved to be a stroke of tactical genius. In the 90th minute, Adegoke found the back of the net to make it 3-0, putting the final nail in the coffin of the record champions.
This victory has significant ramifications for the NPFL table as the second stanza of the season kicks off:
Team Position Points Matches Played
Shooting Stars 4th 32 20
Enyimba FC 11th 26 20
“We’ve worked so hard during the break for this match,” a 3SC official noted post-match. “To beat a team of Enyimba’s caliber 3-0 is a testament to the growth of this squad.”
For Enyimba, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow as they slip further away from the continental spots. They must now regroup quickly to address defensive frailties before their next outing. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars travel with newfound confidence, looking to sustain their push for a top-three finish.
