Shooting Stars (3SC) continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Kano Pillars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
The win marked 3SC’s third consecutive victory without conceding, following a 1-0 away win over Sunshine Stars and a 2-0 home triumph against Abia Warriors.
With the result, 3SC moved up to 4th place in the standings with 27 points, as Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s men continue to push for a top spot.
The standings 📈
3SC move 🆙 after their win#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/bYITMHUmm3
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) December 14, 2024
Akpan and Agba’a Seal the Win for 3SC
The match saw Joshua Akpan break the deadlock just before halftime, scoring in the 44th minute to give 3SC a 1-0 lead. The second half saw Adam Mustapha double the advantage in the 78th minute with a brillant free kick.
MUSTAPHA ADAM AGBA’A for President!
Look at this shot for the second goal!!
Tidy!
89’ Shooting Stars 2-0 Kano Pillars #SHOPIL | #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/pYTwoDaR9F
— 3SCFansTV (@3scfanstv) December 14, 2024
Kano Pillars, missing key players Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi due to injury, as well as captain Rabiu Ali, who was away on national team duty, struggled to break down 3SC’s solid defense and failed to create significant chances.
Lobi Stars’ Hard-Fought Win Lifts Them to 15th Place
In another important match, Lobi Stars managed a crucial 1-0 win over Plateau United at the Lafia stadium. Waheed Adebayo’s goal in the 45th minute proved to be the match-winner, lifting Lobi out of the relegation zone to 15th place with 19 points.
The victory provided Lobi with a much-needed boost, and they will now look to build on this momentum as they travel to Benin City to face Insurance on Matchday 18.
Plateau United Drop to 16th After Defeat
For Plateau United, the loss dropped them to 16th place with 18 points, as they continue to struggle for consistency this season. Coach Mangut Mbwas’ side will need to regroup quickly, as they prepare for a tough clash against Enyimba in Jos next on Matchday 18.
The standings 📈
3SC move 🆙 after their win#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/bYITMHUmm3
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) December 14, 2024
Both 3SC and Lobi Stars will be buoyed by their victories, while the pressure mounts on struggling sides like Kano Pillars and Plateau United as the NPFL season heads into its second half.
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