Anthony Okachi’s solitary goal in the 15th minute proved decisive as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter. The Oluyole Warriors, playing in front of their home crowd, bounced back from last weekend’s loss to earn all three points in a tightly contested match.
The game started with Shooting Stars pressing high and creating early opportunities, with Okachi and Samuel Ayanrinde testing Bayelsa’s backline. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Ayanrinde’s initial attempt was parried, leaving Okachi to slot in his second goal in as many matches. Despite further chances, the Ibadan-based team went into halftime with their slender lead intact.
Bayelsa United came out fighting in the second half, launching relentless attacks. However, Shooting Stars’ defense, marshalled by goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, held firm. Lawal made critical saves to deny Bayelsa an equalizer, frustrating the visitors’ late push for a point.
The win lifts Shooting Stars to ninth on the NPFL table with 18 points from 13 matches. Next, they face a challenging midweek southwest derby against Remo Stars in Ikenne, aiming to build momentum from this hard-fought victory.
