By Aderonke Ojo
Shooting Stars’ nightmare at home shows no sign of ending. Despite a new management and fresh technical crew, the Ibadan giants again faltered in front of their fans, dropping precious points in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
It all looked promising early on at the Lekan Salami Stadium when Sodiq Ibrahim’s 10th-minute strike sent the terraces into wild celebration. But Ikorodu City, playing with grit and intent, silenced the crowd on the stroke of halftime. Shola Adelani — the Home-Based Eagles striker who tormented 3SC’s backline all evening — delivered the killer blow. Shooting Stars pushed in the second half, but Ikorodu held firm, walking away with a priceless point from Ibadan.
Elsewhere, Remo Stars are back in business. After stumbling at home against Rivers United on opening day, the Sky Blue Stars have rediscovered their bite — first grinding out an away win over Kun Khalifa, then edging a stubborn Warri Wolves in Matchday 3. Samson Olasupo’s 76th-minute strike proved the difference, catapulting Remo to the summit of the NPFL table.
At the Cathedral in Enugu, Rangers International finally lit up their season. A 45th-minute effort from Godwin Oham and a cool finish by Peter Ebhonhon in the 77th sealed their first victory of the campaign, restoring hope to the Flying Antelopes faithful.
New boys Wikki Tourists also had reason to celebrate. They stunned Abia Warriors, who continue to struggle on the road after an opening-day win over Kano Pillars. Rivers United, meanwhile, maintained their reputation as the league’s toughest travellers, snatching another away point in Maiduguri against El-Kanemi Warriors.
For Bayelsa United, the dream start ended in Lafia. After winning in Ibadan and backing it up with a home victory, their momentum was checked by Niger Tornadoes. Ismael Saraki’s decisive strike earned Tornadoes all three points and pushed them into eighth place, while handing Bayelsa their first stumble of the season.
In Katsina, late drama stole the spotlight as Azeez Falolu struck in the 88th minute to hand Katsina United a hard-fought 1–0 victory over arch-rivals Kano Pillars, extending their impressive home record.
Meanwhile in Aba, the Solid Miners were left counting their blessings. Despite a gritty performance, they were fortunate to escape with a point against the formidable People’s Elephant, Enyimba, who had dominated large spells of the encounter but failed to make their superiority count.
Meanwhile in Ilorin, CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Kwara United piled misery on struggling Kun Khalifa. Goals from John Mark Atule (27’) and Obiorah (82’) condemned the Owerri-based newcomers to yet another defeat, leaving them with plenty to ponder as life in the NPFL continues to bite hard.