Anthony Okachi’s 15th-minute strike secured a narrow 1-0 victory for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) against Bayelsa United FC on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 13 clash saw 3SC start on a promising note, dominating possession early on. However, their inability to capitalize on their advantage highlighted lapses in coordination, particularly from the attacking duo of Okachi and Samuel Ayanrinde.
Bayelsa United held firm and launched occasional counterattacks to trouble the hosts. Still, Okachi managed to break the deadlock with a low, precise shot in the 15th minute—his second goal in as many games after scoring in the previous 1-2 loss to Ikorodu United FC.
Despite an enthusiastic home crowd, 3SC struggled to build on their lead, with sloppy passing and lackluster play defining the remainder of the first half. The game’s intensity shifted in the second half as Bayelsa United ramped up their quest for an equalizer.
Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal proved to be 3SC’s savior, producing critical saves in the 70th and 86th minutes to deny Bayelsa United’s late surges. His heroics ensured the home side held onto their slim lead until the final whistle, blown by referee Andrew Eze.
The win lifts Shooting Stars to the ninth position on the NPFL table, with 18 points from 13 matches.
NPFL Match Day 13 Results:
- Rivers United FC 1-0 Abia Warriors FC
- Shooting Stars FC 1-0 Bayelsa United FC
- Plateau United FC 2-0 Nasarawa United FC
- Katsina United FC 2-0 Remo Stars FC
- Enyimba International FC vs Sunshine Stars FC (postponed).