NPFL: Shooting Stars win in Kano to Boost Top 3 Prospects

Shooting Stars pulled off a sensational 2-1 away victory against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, yesterday to boost their chances of finishing the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League season in the top three.

It was a Matchday 29 tie and it was Sai Masu Gida that started the game with more urgency probably to atone for their 5-0 disgrace in the hands of Enyimba in Aba on Wednesday.

It was no surprise they took the lead through their legendary Rabiu Ali in the second minute of the game following a frenetic start and it was how the first half finished.

Shooting Stars came out smoking in the second half and we’re rewarded with the equaliser in the 48th minute through Taye Muritala before Christian Pyagbara managed to get the match-winning goal fourth minutes into the added time.

The win has taken the Oluyole Warriors to the sixth spot with 46 points from 29 games while Kano Pillars who remain winless after games have slipped to the ninth spot with 41 points.

In other games played over the weekend, Plateau United thrashed Doma United 4-0 to move to fifth spot with 47 points while Remo Stars pipped Akwa United 2-1 in Ikenne to occupy the third spot with 49 points and with a game at hand over other two before them.

In Aba, Heartland FC returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lagos through Stephen Chukwude’s double and another from Chukwudi Esobe while Junior Lokosa got the Noisy Lagosians’ solitary goal.

It was a seven goal thriller in Katsina between Katsina United and Enugu Rangers but it was the former that captured the three points by edging the Flying Antelopes 4-3.

The Chanji Boys are now seventh on the log with 44 points while Rangers gap at the top has been closed by Lobi Stars who beat Enyimba 1-0 in Lafia to ascend to 51 points but are second on goals difference. Rangers remain on top with 51 points.

Kwara United had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Bendel Insurance who recovered from a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday while Niger Tornadoes walloped Gombe United 5-0 to continue their recent resurgence.

The Ikon Allah Boys are now in 10th position with 39 points and are gradually leaving the drop zone for good.

Also at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure, Sunshine Stars had to come from behind before getting a 1-1 draw at home to Bayelsa United.

NPFL Matchday 29 Results

Plateau United 4-0 Doma United

Remo Stars 2-1 Akwa United

Heartland 3-1 Sporting Lagos

Kano Pillars 1-2 Shooting Stars

Katsina United 4-3 Enugu Rangers

Kwara United 1-1 Bendel Insurance

Lobi Stars 1-0 Enyimba

Niger Tornadoes 5-0 Gombe United

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Bayelsa United