Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf believes his team will continue to improve after grinding out a 2-1 win over newly promoted Inter Lagos in the opening game of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Friday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Shooting Stars made a winning start to the new campaign, edging Inter Lagos in a first half that produced three goals while the game also saw two penalties.
Lucky Emmanuel gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute, running into the box to meet a flick-on from a throw-in before latching onto a low drive into the goalkeeper’s right corner.
Captain Uchenna Njoku equalised midway through the first half, scoring Inter Lagos’ first-ever NPFL goal with a simple finish into an empty net after a fine run and pinpoint pass across the face of goal by Adigun Damilare.
However, the visitors’ joy was short-lived as they conceded a penalty on the stroke of half-time, with Sodiq Ibrahim converting to restore Shooting Stars’ lead.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, although substitute Qamar Adejoke provided another spark for the hosts and won a second penalty towards stoppage time. However, fellow substitute Adams Mustapha was denied by the post.
Shooting Stars held on to secure all three points and make a winning start to the new NPFL season to the satisfaction of their new gaffer.
“It’s step by step. I think we will play better than this with every match. We’ve been together for a short time, and we have this result. If we have one month, you can imagine what to expect,” Salisu said after the game.
“They will continue to improve. That is my belief.”
The Ibadan club will now turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie against Tunisian side CS Sfaxien next week in Abeokuta.
For Inter Lagos, attention shifts to their first home NPFL fixture against Doma United next weekend.
