Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf believes his team can improve significantly after the Oluyole Warriors opened their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday.
Lucky Emmanuel put Shooting Stars ahead in the 11th minute. He raced into the box to meet a flick on from a throw in before sending a low shot into the goalkeeper’s right corner.
Inter Lagos soon responded through captain Uchenna Njoku. The defender scored the club’s first ever NPFL goal midway through the half after Adigun Damilare produced a fine run and picked him out with a precise pass across the face of goal.
The visitors’ celebrations did not last long, however. Shooting Stars won a penalty on the stroke of half time, and Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up to convert the spot kick and restore the hosts advantage.
Salisu Yusuf targets further improvement
The second half lacked the same attacking spark, with both teams creating fewer clear chances. Shooting Stars substitute Qamar Adejoke still added energy to the attack and earned another penalty late in the game.
Adams Mustapha took responsibility from the spot, but the substitute could not extend Shooting Stars’ lead. His effort struck the post, allowing Inter Lagos to remain within reach of an equaliser.
Shooting Stars eventually held on for all three points. The result gave Salisu Yusuf a winning start to his tenure and provided an early boost as the club prepares for a demanding season.
“It’s step by step. I think we will play better than this with every match. We’ve been together for a short time, and we have this result. If we have one month, you can imagine what to expect,” Salisu said after the game.
“They will continue to improve. That is my belief.”
Shooting Stars will now switch their attention to continental football. The Ibadan club faces Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round next week in Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, Inter Lagos will look to bounce back when they play their first home NPFL fixture against Doma United next weekend.
