Shooting Stars Held to 2-2 Draw by Resilient Lobi Stars in Ibadan

Shooting Stars Sports Club 3SC had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Lobi Stars in a gripping Matchday 25 encounter at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan. Despite an early lead and relentless attacking play, the Oluyole Warriors were unable to secure all three points.

The home side started strong, breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute when Akpan Joshua found the net following a precise assist from Sodiq Ibrahim. However, Lobi Stars responded in the 34th minute, with Ossy Martins equalizing against the run of play.

Just before halftime, Martins struck again, putting the visitors ahead 2-1, leaving Shooting Stars with work to do in the second half. Seeking a way back into the game, 3SC introduced Ukeme William and Mustapha Adams to bolster their attack. Their efforts paid off when Sodiq Ibrahim fired in a close-range effort to level the score.

Lobi Stars faced an additional challenge when Ossy Martins received a red card, reducing them to ten men. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, they held firm, frustrating Shooting Stars’ relentless attacks in the closing moments.

With this result, 3SC remain in second place on the league table and now shifts focus to their upcoming Matchday 26 fixture against Enyimba FC in Aba.

Editorial

Shooting Stars’ inability to convert dominance into three points is a recurring theme this season. Their latest draw against Lobi Stars highlights both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. While they showed resilience to fight back after falling behind, the fact that they allowed Lobi Stars to take the lead in the first place remains concerning.

For a team chasing the league title, these dropped points could prove costly. At home, against a side reduced to ten men, 3SC should have secured the win. Their attack looked sharp in the opening stages, but lapses in concentration allowed Lobi Stars to seize control at crucial moments.

Lobi Stars, on the other hand, deserve immense credit. Down to ten men, they defended with determination and frustrated Shooting Stars with disciplined organization. This is the hallmark of a team with a strong mentality one that can withstand pressure and grind out results in difficult circumstances.

For 3SC, the upcoming clash against Enyimba presents another major test. If they hope to maintain their position in the title race, they must learn from this performance. Taking leads early is commendable, but maintaining focus and capitalizing on numerical advantages is just as crucial.

This season is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle at the top, and with every dropped point, Shooting Stars risk falling behind. Their response against Enyimba will reveal whether they are true title contenders or merely a team struggling to find consistency when it matters most.

Did You Know?

1. Shooting Stars SC 3SC is one of Nigeria’s most historic football clubs, having won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976.
2. Lobi Stars, based in Makurdi, won the Nigerian Professional Football League title in 1999 and have been a consistent force in domestic competitions.
3. The Lekan Salami Sports Complex, where 3SC plays its home games, has a seating capacity of 10,000 and underwent renovations in recent years.
4. Nigerian football has produced some of the top African defenders, including Taribo West and Joseph Yobo, known for their defensive resilience.
5. The NPFL Nigeria Professional Football League is considered one of the most unpredictable leagues in Africa, with no single team dominating for extended periods.