In a dramatic finish, Tijani Al-Ameen netted an 89th-minute goal to secure a thrilling 3-2 win for Shooting Stars against Wikki Tourists on Sunday.
The encounter, part of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), took place at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where the home side managed to claim all three points, enhancing their chances of qualifying for a continental competition.
Despite facing strong resistance, Wikki Tourists managed to equalize twice during the match, but the Oluyole Warriors emerged victorious in the closing stages.
Sodiq Ibrahim initiated the scoring for Shooting Stars in the 17th minute with a remarkable long-range strike. He expertly controlled a pass before firing a powerful 30-yard shot that soared past the goalkeeper, putting the hosts up by one.
Wikki missed several clear opportunities before Abba Musa leveled the score in the 35th minute. However, in a late first-half surge, Emmanuel Lucky restored Shooting Stars' advantage just a minute before the half-time whistle, making it 2-1.
The visitors revived their attack after half-time and managed to equalize again in the 53rd minute through John Taiwo, who capped off a swift counterattack to bring the score to 2-2.
In a display of resilience reminiscent of their previous match against Rivers United, Tijani Al-Ameen sealed the victory for Shooting Stars by heading in from a corner kick in the 89th minute, marking their ninth consecutive home win.
With this result, Shooting Stars advanced to the fourth position in the NPFL standings, now holding 47 points, tied with third-placed Nasarawa United, who lost 2-1 to Remo Stars.
Remo Stars' victory lifted them from the bottom of the table, positioning them in 19th place, three points clear of the relegation area.
Additionally, Enyimba, who are also facing relegation challenges, improved their standing to 15th place following a 2-0 victory against Plateau United in Aba.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers, currently second in the league, managed a goalless draw against Kwara United, cutting Rivers United’s lead at the top of the table to just one point.
Match Results:
Barau 2–0 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 2–1 Warri Wolves
Enyimba 2–0 Plateau United
Kwara United 0–0 Enugu Rangers
Niger Tornadoes 0–0 Kano Pillars
Remo Stars 2–1 Nasarawa United
Shooting Stars 3–2 Wikki Tourists
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