Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Rivers United in a hard-fought NPFL Matchday 4 encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Both sides started with attacking intent, but Shooting Stars looked the brighter of the two early on. The Oluyole Warriors matched Rivers United in intensity, with skipper Gali Falke marshalling the midfield and linking well with Ismail Ayodele to push the team forward. Goalkeeper Godgift El-Kanah produced excellent saves to keep the score level, including a sharp stop from a first-half free kick.
After the restart, 3SC nearly took the lead when Wasiu unleashed a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar in the 54th minute. Promise Awosanmi and Ayodele Ismail also had attempts but could not find the target. The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute when Rivers United converted from a corner, punishing the visitors’ lapse in set-piece marking.
Coach Nurudeen Aweroro responded with substitutions to add fresh legs. Justice replaced the injured Falke, while Monsoor, Chukwudi, and Jobi were introduced to strengthen attack and midfield. In the 80th minute, Shooting Stars were denied a penalty shout after Wasiu appeared to be brought down in the box, sparking frustration on the bench and among traveling supporters. Despite relentless pressure and five minutes of stoppage time, Rivers United held firm to claim all three points.
The result means Shooting Stars remain without a win after four games, but positives can be taken from the team’s improved organization and fighting spirit away from home.
The focus now shifts to Matchday 5 against Kun Khalifat FC, where the Oluyole Warriors will look to turn resilience into a much-needed first victory of the campaign.
