Despite the defeat, Shooting Stars remain second on the league table with 40 points from 23 matches, but they now trail leaders Remo Stars by eight points.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars secured a 2-1 home victory over El Kanemi Warriors. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars from the penalty spot before El Kanemi equalized with a penalty of their own. The match was heading for a draw until Rashid Alasan struck a dramatic 90th minute winner, giving interim coach Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ his first win in charge.
Pillars’ goalkeeper Abuchi Destiny was named Man of the Match after a string of top class saves kept El Kanemi at bay. The victory moves Kano Pillars to ninth place with 32 points.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance claimed a narrow 1-0 home win against their opponents, courtesy of a 55th-minute goal from Kayode Oke. The result lifted Bendel Insurance to 15th on the NPFL table with 28 points.
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Editorial
Shooting Stars’ loss to Kwara United serves as a wake-up call in their pursuit of the NPFL title. After going eight games unbeaten, this defeat reminds them that the race for the league championship remains highly competitive. If they are to catch up with Remo Stars, they must regroup quickly and return to winning ways.
For Kano Pillars, this victory is a much-needed boost. Interim coach Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ could use this win as a foundation to rebuild confidence within the squad. The fact that their veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali remains influential at this stage of his career highlights the experience within the team, but younger players must step up and deliver consistently.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance’s victory gives them breathing space in the relegation battle. While their performances have been inconsistent, turning their home ground into a fortress could be key to avoiding the drop.
Overall, the NPFL season remains highly unpredictable, and the coming weeks will determine which teams maintain their push for the title and which ones struggle to stay afloat.
Did You Know?
- Shooting Stars 3SC are one of Nigeria’s most historic clubs, having won the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, making them the first Nigerian club to win an African title.
- Kano Pillars have won the NPFL title four times 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014, establishing themselves as one of the league’s most successful teams.
- Rabiu Ali, Kano Pillars’ veteran midfielder, is one of the longest-serving players in the NPFL, having played for the club for over a decade.
- Bendel Insurance were once NPFL giants, winning the league title in 1973 and 1979, but they have struggled to recapture their past dominance in recent years.
- The NPFL is known for its passionate fan base, with clubs like Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars regularly drawing some of the largest crowds in Nigerian football.
