Adegoke’s late strike hands 3SC dramatic win over Rivers Utd
Shooting Stars SC produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat league leaders Rivers United FC 2–1 in their rescheduled Matchday 24 clash of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season yesterday, with Qamar Adegoke scoring deep into stoppage time to seal all three points. The encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan delivered intensity, […]
Shooting Stars SC produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat league leaders Rivers United FC 2–1 in their rescheduled Matchday 24 clash of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season yesterday, with Qamar Adegoke scoring deep into stoppage time to seal all three points.
The encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan delivered intensity, momentum swings and a dramatic finish, as the Oluyole Warriors ended Rivers United’s recent dominance in the fixture. The Port Harcourt side had gone unbeaten in their last four meetings against Shooting Stars before Wednesday’s clash.
Both teams started cautiously, with Shooting Stars creating the first real opportunity in the opening minutes, but Rivers United goalkeeper Godgift produced a fine save to keep the score level. The hosts continued to press and nearly broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Sodiq Ibrahim fired straight at the goalkeeper after a promising move.
Their persistence paid off three minutes later. Ibrahim made amends in the 33rd minute, calmly finishing to give Shooting Stars a deserved 1–0 lead and ignite the home crowd.
Rivers United tried to respond before halftime, but Shooting Stars maintained their advantage heading into the break with a slender lead.
The visitors returned from the interval determined to fight back. Shooting Stars almost doubled their advantage early in the second half, but goalkeeper Godgift produced a brilliant double save in the 53rd minute to keep Rivers United in the contest.
Momentum gradually shifted in favour of the league leaders and their pressure eventually yielded results in the 68th minute when Rivers United drew level to make it 1–1.
The equaliser set up a tense final stretch, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal. Shooting Stars introduced fresh legs, including Qamar Adegoke and Justice Apaingolo, as they searched for a breakthrough.
Chances came and went in the closing stages. Ayodele Ismail missed a big opportunity for Shooting Stars in the 75th minute, while substitute Adams Mustapha saw a free kick drift wide.
With the match appearing to be heading for a draw, the drama unfolded deep into stoppage time.
In the 91st minute, Adegoke produced a moment of brilliance that ultimately decided the contest. The forward turned brilliantly inside the box before firing past the goalkeeper to restore Shooting Stars’ lead and send the home supporters into wild celebrations.
The win lifts Shooting Stars to sixth position on the NPFL table, boosting their push for a strong finish in the league campaign.
Despite the defeat, Rivers United remain firmly at the summit of the standings and still have a game in hand that could further strengthen their title ambitions.