Photo Credit: Photo used courtesy of Punch Newspapers / Shooting Stars SC
Salisu Yusuf Promises Better 3SC Display After Hard-Fought Opening Day Victory
Ibadan — Shooting Stars head coach, Salisu Yusuf, says his side will only get better after starting the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a 2-1 win over newcomers Inter Lagos.

The Oluyole Warriors kicked off their campaign on Friday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan in a game that produced three first-half goals and two penalties.

Lucky Emmanuel put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute after connecting with a flick-on from a long throw and firing low past the Inter Lagos goalkeeper.

Inter Lagos responded with a historic moment as captain Uchenna Njoku scored the club’s first-ever goal in the NPFL. He tapped into an empty net after a brilliant run and cross from Adigun Damilare to make it 1-1.

Shooting Stars regained the lead just before halftime when Sodiq Ibrahim converted from the penalty spot.

The second half produced fewer chances. Substitute Qamar Adejoke looked lively after coming on and won a late penalty for the hosts, but fellow substitute Adams Mustapha hit the post with the effort.

Despite that miss, 3SC held on for all three points to delight their new coach.

Speaking after the match, Yusuf said the team is still gelling and will improve with time.
“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,” he said.
“They will continue to improve. That is my belief.”
Shooting Stars will now shift focus to continental action as they face Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round in Abeokuta next week.

Inter Lagos will look to bounce back when they host Doma United in their first home game of the season next weekend.

SOURCE: Punch Newspapers –