Shooting Stars claim Southwest derby bragging rights over Inter Lagos in NPFL opener
Sodiq Ibrahim’s first-half penalty helped Shooting Stars open their 2026/27 NPFL campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos in the Southwest derby in Ibadan.
Shooting Stars began the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday.
Lucky Emmanuel gave the Oluyole Warriors an early advantage before Inter Lagos responded through captain Uchenna Njoku, who scored the newcomers’ first NPFL goal at the end of the first quarter.
The hosts regained the lead shortly before half-time when Sodiq Ibrahim converted a penalty after Emmanuel was brought down inside the box.
Shooting Stars controlled much of the second half as Inter Lagos searched for another equaliser, but the visitors struggled to find a decisive opening.
The Ibadan side were awarded another penalty late in the contest but failed to convert, allowing Inter Lagos to remain within touching distance until the final whistle.
The result gives Shooting Stars an important opening victory under new coach Salisu Yusuf, while Inter Lagos will take encouragement from their competitive display on their top-flight debut.
