NPFL Opener: Shooting Stars Edge Out Inter Lagos in Thrilling Lekan Salami Clash

The air inside the historic Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan was thick with anticipation on Friday as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign kicked off in grand style. Shooting Stars Sports Club, affectionately known as the Oluyole Warriors, secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the newly promoted Lagos-based outfit, Inter Lagos FC. For the thousands of passionate home fans who turned out in large numbers, the match was a testament to the enduring allure of domestic Nigerian football.

From the blast of the referee's whistle, the hosts asserted their dominance, taking control of the midfield and launching wave after wave of attack. According to reports from pitchside analysts, 3SC's aggressive high-press forced early defensive errors from the NPFL debutants. The relentless pressure paid off when a brilliantly executed set-piece broke the deadlock, sending the partisan crowd into absolute raptures.

However, Inter Lagos FC showed that their promotion to the top flight was no fluke. Demonstrating remarkable tactical discipline and composure under pressure, the visitors fought back bravely, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the hosts to level the scoreline. But experience ultimately triumphed over youth; 3SC rallied late in the game, scoring a decisive second goal to secure maximum points and ensure their campaign started on a winning note.