Nigerian Football

Battered Shooting Stars Optimistic

Published

9 years ago

April 3, 2017

By JUBRIL AROWOLO.

In a swift reaction to the team heaviest defeat this season; the Chairman, Shooting Stars Football Club, Gbolagade Busari has expressed disappointment over the 2-4 loss to Akwa United in the week 17 match on Sunday.

Busari who didn’t not only regret the loss, also appealed to the teeming fans to exercise patience and understanding with the team.

“It was not a good result for the club and the officials because we had gone into the match with positive mind to pick a point but sadly enough it turned out the other way round”.

“But, I can assure you that such will not repeat itself .The players were very devastated after the end of the first half that’s why they increased their a fighting spirit in the second half and score two goals”, he explained.

Busari however assures that necessary correction will be made before the next game. “We are coming home to make corrections and ensure we pick the maximum three points at stake”, he said.

He also appealed to the teeming fans not to write the team off but to remain calm and continue supporting the team in order to achieve greatness and good result.

”We are not happy with the result as well but we have to appeal for calm. We are doing all we can to beef up the team”, he concluded.

In his reaction, Fatai Amoo, through his assistant, Kabir Alausa said ”it wasn’t the result we expected but we have learnt our lessons and the boys recovered quickly to give a fight in the second half. We go back home to prepare for our next game, he concluded.

His Akwa United counterpart, Abdul Maikaba through Zubair, his assistant disclosed to www.3sc.com.ng that his team thought it was over and they paid dearly for it by conceding two goals in the second half, ”all the same we won and we commend Shooting Stars for their fighting spirit”, he concluded.

Nigerian Football

Rangers Edge Closer to NPFL Title as Race Tightens After Matchday 35

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race took another dramatic turn on Matchday 35 as leaders Enugu Rangers strengthened their grip at the summit, while challengers Rivers United stumbled to keep the contest wide open with three matches to go.

Rangers moved to 59 points after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Enyimba in Enugu on Sunday, extending their lead at the top. The Flying Antelopes showed resilience against their Oriental rivals, reinforcing their title credentials at a crucial stage of the season.

However, the biggest twist of the weekend came in Kano, where Kano Pillars defeated Rivers United 2-1, halting the Port Harcourt side’s momentum. The result leaves Rivers United just one point behind the leaders on 58 points, setting up a tense run-in.

Top Four Battle Intensifies

The race for continental spots is equally fierce, with Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors locked on 55 points.

Abia Warriors boosted their chances with a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City, a result that not only tightened the top four race but also dealt a blow to Ikorodu’s ambitions of closing the gap on the top two.

Shooting Stars, sitting fifth on 54 points, also kept pace with a valuable 2-1 away win against El Kanemi, staying firmly in contention for a continental ticket.

Mid-Table Shuffle

Further down the table, Nasarawa United delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round, thrashing Warri Wolves 3-0 to climb to sixth with 53 points.

Bendel Insurance, who edged Wikki Tourists 2-1 on Saturday, remain seventh with 52 points, continuing their quiet push toward the top tier.

Elsewhere:

Katsina United edged Bayelsa United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller
Kwara United defeated Barau FC 2-1
Remo Stars boosted survival hopes with a commanding 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes
Plateau United and Kun Khalifat settled for a 1-1 draw

Relegation Fight Goes Down to the Wire

At the bottom, the battle to avoid relegation remains intense. Wikki Tourists, Bayelsa United, and Kun Khalifat are all tied on 40 points, with only goal difference separating them.

Despite their defeat, Wikki Tourists remain within reach of safety, while Bayelsa United’s narrow loss in Katsina further complicates their survival hopes.

A Nervy Finish Beckons

With just three rounds left, the NPFL season is heading for a thrilling conclusion.

Rangers hold a slender advantage, but Rivers United remain firmly in pursuit, while the chasing pack continues to apply pressure from behind.

At both ends of the table, nothing is settled—ensuring that the final weeks of the season will be defined by tension, drama, and possibly, late twists in Nigeria’s top-flight story.

Week 35 Results

Saturday April 18

Wikki Tourists 1-2 Bendel Insurance

Sunday April 19

Plateau United 1-1 Kun Khalifat
Enugu Rangers 2-1 Enyimba
Katsina United 3-2 Bayelsa United
Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers United
Kwara United 2-1 Barau
Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City
El Kanemi 1-2 Shooting Stars
Nasarawa United 3-0 Warri Wolves
Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

The Table

Pos	Club	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Enugu Rangers	35	16	11	8	41	25	16	59
2	Rivers United	35	16	10	9	35	29	6	58
3	Ikorodu City	35	15	10	10	38	32	6	55
4	Abia Warriors	35	16	7	12	30	27	3	55
5	Shooting Stars	35	16	6	13	37	37	0	54
6	Nasarawa United	35	15	8	12	34	28	6	53
7	Bendel Insurance	35	13	13	9	41	35	6	52
8	Katsina United	35	13	10	12	32	34	-2	49
9	Plateau United	35	14	5	16	38	38	0	47
10	Barau FC	35	11	13	11	28	29	-1	46
11	El Kanemi	35	13	7	15	30	40	-10	46
12	Kano Pillars	35	14	6	15	32	36	-4	45
13	Enyimba	35	11	10	14	39	39	0	43
14	Niger Tornadoes	35	12	7	16	34	34	0	43
15	Kwara United	35	12	10	13	28	30	-3	43
16	Remo Stars	35	13	4	18	38	43	-5	43
17	Warri Wolves	35	11	10	14	33	39	-6	43
18	Kun Khalifat	35	10	10	15	35	41	-6	40
19	Bayelsa United	35	10	10	15	32	38	-6	40
20	Wikki Tourists	35	9	13	13	32	39	-7	40

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Nigerian Football

NPFL Title Race, Survival Battle Take Shape as Season Enters Final Stretch

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2026

Kunle Solaja

With just a handful of matchdays left, the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is reaching a decisive phase, where the battle for the title, continental spots and survival is becoming clearer, and the numbers tell a compelling story.

After 34 matchweeks and 340 matches played, a total of 663 goals have been scored, pointing to a league that has combined competitiveness with moments of attacking brilliance, even if the average goals per game stands at a modest 1.9.

At the heart of the campaign is the growing influence of emerging clubs like Ikorodu City, whose impressive second appearance at the top-flight league has been backed by remarkable statistics.

They remain one of only three sides yet to lose at home — alongside Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Ikorodu City’s impact goes beyond results. Their striker Joseph Arumala currently leads the goal charts with 12 goals, while goalkeeper Michael Atata has recorded a league-high 16 clean sheets, providing the defensive backbone for their campaign.

Yet, their season has not been without flaws. They are the only side to have conceded four or more second-half goals in a match.

Across the league, attacking contributions have come from unlikely sources. Rangers’ defender Chidozie Iwundu has netted eight times to emerge as the highest-scoring defender, while Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Abiodun Junior leads the assist chart with 11.

Late drama has also been a defining feature. Enyimba have built a reputation for strong finishes, scoring 10 goals in the final 10 minutes of matches — more than any other side.

On the road, Abia Warriors have proven the most effective travellers, amassing 16 away points. At the same time, the league overall has seen 39 away victories, suggesting a gradual shift from the traditional dominance of home teams.

The season has also produced moments of high drama, none more so than the eight-goal thriller between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United, which ended 4-4 — the highest-scoring match so far.

Early intensity has been another hallmark, with Nasarawa United leading the way in fast starts, scoring seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches — the most in the league.

Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance and Rangers have set the pace in first-half dominance, each scoring 24 goals before the break — a statistic that reflects tactical sharpness and early control in matches.

As the campaign heads toward its climax, these numbers offer more than just statistical insight — they frame a season defined by emerging contenders, tactical battles, and shifting dynamics.

With four matchweeks remaining, the race for glory and survival is poised for a thrilling conclusion, where consistency, discipline and perhaps a touch of late drama will ultimately determine who lifts the trophy and who falls by the wayside.

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Nigerian Football

Title Race Goes Down to the Wire as Relegation Battle Intensifies in NPFL

Published

1 week ago

April 12, 2026

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season is heading for a dramatic climax, with both the title race and relegation dogfight finely poised following Matchday 34 fixtures.

At the top of the table, the contest for supremacy has tightened into a two-horse race between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC, who are locked on 55 points apiece after 33 matches. Rangers currently hold a superior goal difference (+15), giving them a slender edge in what promises to be a thrilling finish.

Rivers United, however, have a crucial opportunity to seize control when they host Plateau United FC, knowing that any slip by Rangers could swing momentum decisively in their favour. Rangers themselves face a tricky away tie against Niger Tornadoes FC, a side battling to steer clear of relegation trouble.

Just behind the leading duo, Ikorodu City FC and Abia Warriors FC remain within striking distance on 52 points. However, Abia Warriors suffered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance FC on Saturday, a result that not only boosted Insurance’s push into the top half but also dented Abia’s title ambitions.

Nasarawa United FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club, both on 50 points, are still mathematically in the race but may need near-perfect finishes and favourable results elsewhere to challenge for the top three positions. Shooting Stars face a pivotal clash against Kwara United, a fixture that carries significance at both ends of the table.

Relegation Battle Heats Up

While the title race grabs headlines, the struggle for survival is even more intense, with several clubs separated by just a few points at the bottom.

Kun Khalifat FC prop up the table with 36 points and face a must-win encounter against Warri Wolves. Anything less than victory could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.

Just above them, Wikki Tourists FC (37 points) and Kwara United (39 points, with a points deduction) are also in danger. Kwara United’s clash with Shooting Stars could prove decisive, while Wikki Tourists face a tough trip to Bayelsa United, another side not yet safe.

The relegation scrap extends further up the table, with Remo Stars, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba all hovering around the 40-point mark. Remo Stars face a daunting test against high-flying Barau FC, while Enyimba must navigate a tricky fixture against Katsina United FC.

Even traditionally strong sides like Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes FC are not entirely safe, highlighting the depth of the relegation battle this season.

Season Reaches Boiling Point

With just a handful of matches remaining, every fixture now carries enormous weight. The title contenders must maintain consistency under pressure, while those at the bottom are fighting for survival with equal desperation.

From the summit clash between Rangers and Rivers United to the survival scrap involving nearly half the table, the NPFL is set for a pulsating finale where both glory and heartbreak remain very much on the line.

MatchDay 34 Fixtures

Saturday, April 11, 2026

‎Bendel Insurance 1-0 Abia Warriors

‎Sunday, April 12, 2026

‎Shooting Stars V Kwara United
‎Barau FC v Remo Stars
‎Niger Tornadoes V Enugu Rangers
‎Enyimba V Katsina United
‎Bayelsa United V Wikki Tourists
‎Ikorodu City V Kano Pillars
‎Rivers United V Plateau United
‎Kun Khalifat Fc V Warri Wolves

‎Monday, April 13, 2026

‎El-Kanemi Warriors V Nasarawa United

	CLUBS	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Rangers International FC	33	15	10	8	39	24	15	55
2	Rivers United FC	33	15	10	8	33	27	6	55
3	Ikorodu City FC	33	14	10	9	34	30	4	52
4	Abia Warriors FC	34	15	7	12	28	26	2	52
5	Nasarawa United FC	33	14	8	11	31	27	4	50
6	Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)	33	15	5	13	35	36	-1	50
7	Bendel Insurance FC	34	12	13	9	39	34	5	49
8	Plateau United FC	33	14	4	15	37	36	1	46
9	Katsina United FC	33	12	10	11	29	29	0	46
10	Warri Wolves	33	11	10	12	33	33	0	43
11	Barau FC	33	10	13	10	25	26	-1	43
12	El-Kanemi Warriors FC	33	12	7	14	28	38	-10	43
13	Niger Tornadoes FC	33	12	6	15	34	31	3	42
14	Kano Pillars (-3pts, -3 goals)	33	13	6	14	30	32	-2	42
15	Enyimba FC	33	10	10	13	35	37	-2	40
16	Bayelsa United FC	33	10	10	13	30	34	-4	40
17	Remo Stars FC	33	12	4	17	34	41	-7	40
18	Kwara United (-3pts, -3 goals)	33	11	9	13	26	29	-3	39
19	Wikki Tourists FC	33	8	13	12	30	37	-7	37
20	Kun Khalifat FC	33	9	9	15	31	40	-9	36