The Nigeria Premier Football League clash between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Lobi Stars Football Club at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. This result significantly impacted both teams’ standings, with 3SC clinging to their second-place position despite recent struggles, and Lobi Stars boosting their hopes of escaping relegation. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides taking the lead at different stages, resulting in a thrilling encounter for the fans.
The home crowd, anticipating a comfortable victory against a relegation-threatened side, were stunned when Lobi Stars, despite their lower league standing, proved to be a formidable opponent. 3SC, having suffered defeats in their previous two away matches, were eager to return to winning ways, but Lobi Stars’ resilience and tactical approach disrupted their plans. While 3SC dominated possession and created numerous chances, Lobi Stars effectively countered through their flanks and capitalized on defensive lapses.
The match began according to the home crowd’s expectations with 3SC taking the lead in the 11th minute through Akpan Joshua’s powerful strike. However, Lobi Stars responded tenaciously and equalized in the 35th minute through Ossy Martins, who capitalized on a loose ball in the 3SC box. In a surprising turn of events just before halftime, Martins struck again, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Segun Oloruntoba to give Lobi Stars a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw a rejuvenated 3SC side emerge from the dressing room, with coach Edith Agoye making two quick substitutions to bolster his attacking options. These changes paid dividends as Sodiq Ibrahim leveled the score shortly after the restart, firing a low shot past Lobi Stars’ goalkeeper. Despite continued pressure and further substitutions, 3SC failed to find the decisive goal, squandering several golden opportunities, including a late header by Ikouwem Utim that sailed over the bar.
The draw, while frustrating for 3SC, allowed them to maintain their second-place standing in the league with 41 points, benefiting from slip-ups by other title contenders. On the other hand, the point earned was a significant boost for Lobi Stars, who remained bottom of the table but gained crucial ground in their fight against relegation. Their tally of 23 points from 25 games, consisting of five wins, eight draws, and twelve losses, meant they were still very much in the relegation battle but with renewed hope. The result highlighted their fighting spirit and tactical awareness, suggesting that they are capable of competing with top-tier teams despite their league position.
The match between 3SC and Lobi Stars showcased the unpredictable nature of the Nigeria Premier Football League, where even teams at opposite ends of the table can produce thrilling and competitive encounters. The draw served as a wake-up call for 3SC, reminding them that complacency can be costly, while simultaneously boosting Lobi Stars’ confidence in their survival bid. With several matches remaining in the season, both teams will be looking to build on this result and achieve their respective objectives, whether it’s challenging for the title or battling against relegation. The unexpected nature of this draw underscores the competitive landscape of the league and promises a thrilling end to the season.
