Returnee Striker Samuel Ayanrinde Rescues a Point for 3SC Against Nasarawa United in NPFL Matchday One
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan secured a vital point in their Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday One fixture, thanks to a late equalizer from returnee striker Samuel Ayanrinde. The Oluyole Warriors held Nasarawa United to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter at the Lafia City Stadium.
Ayanrinde, who recently rejoined 3SC from Kwara United, made an immediate impact after coming off the bench. Replacing Abubakar Aliu in the 86th minute, Ayanrinde showcased his poaching instincts by expertly controlling a well-directed free kick from Adebayo Abayomi. With calm precision, he fired the ball past Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper, Godwin Ameh, in the dying minutes of the match.
The first half saw both teams struggling to break the deadlock, with Shooting Stars’ defense standing strong against the Solid Miners’ attacks. The Solid Miners, who returned to the NPFL after a season in the lower division, eventually found the breakthrough in the 59th minute. Anas Yusuf converted a penalty awarded after referee Patrick Egba judged that Shooting Stars’ skipper, Muritala Taiye, committed a foul inside the box.
Despite going a goal down, the Oluyole Warriors continued to press for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off when Ayanrinde’s late heroics salvaged a point, much to the relief of the traveling fans. The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils in what was a tightly contested affair.
Looking ahead, 3SC will host Plateau United at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan for their Matchday Two fixture. The team will aim to secure their first win of the season on home turf, buoyed by the resilience they displayed in Lafia.
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