NPFL: Salisu Yusuf backs Shooting Stars to improve after winning start

Shooting Stars' head coach Salisu Yusuf expressed confidence that his team will continue to improve following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos in the opening match of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The match, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, saw both teams produce a thrilling display in the first half before struggling to generate clear chances in the second. Shooting Stars took the lead early, with forward Lucky Emmanuel scoring in the 11th minute after reacting swiftly to a throw-in. Inter Lagos responded with a historic moment as captain Uchenna Njoku netted the club's first-ever NPFL goal, finishing into an empty net after a precise pass from Adigun Damilare. However, Shooting Stars regained control just before halftime when Sodiq Ibrahim converted a penalty to extend the lead to 2-1. The second half saw the pace drop significantly, with both sides finding it difficult to create meaningful opportunities. Substitute Qamar Adejoke earned a second penalty late in the game, giving Shooting Stars a chance to seal the win, but Adams Mustapha’s shot was saved by the post. Despite the narrow victory, Yusuf remained optimistic, stating that the team would continue to progress as they adapt to his coaching style. The match began with high intensity, as both teams showcased their intent from the outset. Shooting Stars dominated possession and created several dangerous chances, while Inter Lagos, despite being the underdogs, showed resilience and composure. The first half was marked by three goals, including the historic opener by Njoku, which symbolized a milestone for the newly promoted club. However, the momentum shifted in favor of Shooting Stars after the penalty in the 45th minute. The second half saw a noticeable decline in quality, with both teams failing to maintain the same level of urgency. Although Shooting Stars managed to keep their lead intact, the lack of sustained pressure highlighted areas for improvement. Yusuf acknowledged the team’s potential, emphasizing that the players had only just begun to gel under his guidance. “We’re still in the early stages of our journey,” he said. “I believe we’ll see more from them as we go along.” Yusuf, who recently joined Shooting Stars as their new head coach, is tasked with steering the team toward greater success in the upcoming season. His comments reflect a long-term vision for the squad, suggesting that the current performance is merely the starting point. The Nigerian Premier Football League has seen a shift in dynamics, with several clubs making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters. Shooting Stars, having appointed Yusuf, aim to capitalize on this trend and establish themselves as contenders. The team’s focus now shifts to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in the preliminary round. This upcoming match represents a crucial test of their ability to perform on the international stage. Meanwhile, Inter Lagos, despite the loss, can take pride in Njoku’s historic goal, which serves as a morale booster ahead of their next home fixture against Doma United. The outcome of the match has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. While some praised Shooting Stars for their resilience and tactical discipline, others pointed out the need for consistency in attack. The team’s ability to convert chances into goals remains a key area for development. For Inter Lagos, the defeat highlights the challenges faced by newly promoted clubs, yet the club’s first NPFL goal offers a glimmer of hope. As the league season progresses, both teams will look to address these issues and build upon their respective performances. The competition in the Nigerian Premier Football League is fierce, and each match presents an opportunity for growth and adaptation. With multiple matches on the horizon, the coming weeks will be critical in determining how far each team can advance. Looking ahead, Shooting Stars must ensure that their winning momentum continues into the continental campaign. The upcoming clash against CS Sfaxien will serve as a litmus test for their readiness to compete at a higher level. Yusuf’s emphasis on gradual improvement suggests that patience and persistence will be essential factors in the team’s development. As the season unfolds, the focus will remain on refining tactics, enhancing individual performances, and maintaining unity within the squad. For Inter Lagos, the challenge lies in building on the positives from their debut and addressing the gaps exposed during the match. The Nigerian Premier Football League is entering a new phase, and the results of these early fixtures will shape the trajectory of the teams involved. As the calendar turns, the spotlight will shift to the next set of matches, setting the stage for further developments in the competitive landscape.