Olakunle Akala and Qamar Adegoke score in the closing stages as the Oluyole Warriors claim a dramatic home victory over Bendel Insurance in NPFL Matchday 13.
Shooting Stars produced a dramatic late performance to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday night.
The Oluyole Warriors appeared to be heading for a frustrating goalless draw after struggling to find a breakthrough against a determined Bendel Insurance side. However, two goals in the closing stages turned the contest around and secured all three points for the hosts.
Olakunle Akala opened the scoring in the 84th minute before substitute Qamar Adegoke extended Shooting Stars’ advantage in the second minute of stoppage time.
Bendel Insurance refused to go down without a fight, with Alex Oweilayefa pulling one back with virtually the final kick of the encounter. Unfortunately for the visitors, their late response came too late to rescue a point.
Shooting Stars dominate but struggle to score
Both teams entered the Matchday 13 fixture with important objectives. Shooting Stars were looking to recover from their previous defeat to Barau FC, while Bendel Insurance arrived in Ibadan hoping to maintain their position among the leading teams in the NPFL.
The home side started with attacking intent and created opportunities to take the lead during the opening half.
However, Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka proved difficult to beat, producing important saves to keep his team in the contest. Shooting Stars also came close on another occasion when their effort struck the woodwork.
Despite the pressure from the hosts, neither side managed to find the net before half-time, leaving the encounter goalless at the interval.
Akala and Adegoke deliver late goals
Shooting Stars continued to push for an opener after the restart, but Bendel’s defensive resistance remained strong.
With the breakthrough proving difficult to find, Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf introduced Emmanuel Lucky and Qamar Adegoke as he attempted to give his attack a fresh dimension.
The changes eventually paid off.
In the 84th minute, Olakunle Akala found the breakthrough with a low effort that beat Adeyinka and sent the home supporters into celebration.
The goal gave Shooting Stars renewed confidence, and they quickly went in search of another to make the result more comfortable.
Their second arrived in the second minute of stoppage time. Damilola Akinola provided the pass for Adegoke, who finished the opportunity to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.
It appeared that the points were secured, but Bendel Insurance managed to respond before the final whistle.
Alex Oweilayefa capitalised on a defensive mistake to score for the visitors with the last kick of the game. Although the goal reduced the deficit, Shooting Stars held on to secure a valuable 2-1 victory.
Shooting Stars move up the NPFL table
The result provided an important boost for the Oluyole Warriors, who moved into seventh position with 18 points from 13 matches following the victory.
For Bendel Insurance, the defeat ended their hopes of collecting another three points on the road. The Benin-based club remained second with 21 points from 13 games, although their position could be affected by the remaining Matchday 13 results.
The victory also continued Shooting Stars’ impressive recent home record against Bendel Insurance, extending their winning run against the Benin side in Ibadan.
For the Oluyole Warriors, Akala’s breakthrough and Adegoke’s late contribution will be particularly encouraging as they look to build momentum in the NPFL campaign.
Shooting Stars will now turn their attention to their next league assignment, hoping to carry the confidence from this dramatic home victory into Matchday 14.