Nigerian Football
Shooting Stars: Once Upon A Glorious Past
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
As the Nigerian Professional Football League came to an end for the Season 2016/17, it once again claimed a familiar victim, Shooting Stars which shot into its familiar path – relegation!
Founded in 1962, not only is the club the oldest among the elite division clubs in Nigeria, it is perhaps the most experienced, having experienced everything that is a football league – title winning, struggle to win title, losing title, battle against relegation, relegation, battle to get promotion and getting promotion.
For perspective observers, the current relegation was a disaster that waited to happen. It is the fifth time that the club has had to drop to the lower league since its first in 1986 in the then National Division 1 League.
Relegation is therefore not new to the pace-setting club in every aspect conceivable, be it positive or negative.
Just as it was the first to win continental title of the now defunct African Winners Cup in 1976 and the CAF Cup in 1992, it was also Nigeria’s first league champion to be relegated in 1999 after winning title in 1998.
Among the original clubs that started a national football league in Nigeria in 1972, it has been relegated most. Only Bendel Insurance has stayed longer in the lower division.
It is a sad commentary that a club that had produced some of the best football talents in the country had become a shadow of its glorious past.
When CAF first ranked clubs in the late 1990, Shooting Stars was among the top 10 in the continent. The saga of Shooting Stars is almost a story of once upon a glorious past.
Consider the stars that have been churned out in almost every department of football – goalkeeping, defence, midfield, attack and the wings! The goalkeeper of the Africa Cup of Nations Cup in 1980 was Best Ogedegbe of Shooting Stars.
Recall defenders like Tunde Bamidele, Samuel Ojebode and Joe Appiah of the glorious era. Who will easily forget the exploits of the inimitable Muda Lawal or the goal scoring exploits of forwards like Segun Odegbami and Rashidi Yekini?
Even Kunle Awesu emerged as the best left winger at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nation in Ethiopia.
This is a club that emerged Nigeria’s double champion in 1995 – carting away the league title and FA Cup. Those were the glorious past. In the past 19 years when the club last won a national title, Shooting Stars are noted more for tribulations than for quest for honours.
Yet, this trend is not restricted to the Shooting Stars. Until last season when Enugu Rangers won the league for the first time on 33 years, the club had been relegated to the realm of anonymity in the continent.
Yet some decades ago, the trio of Rangers, Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance had fame that sent jitters on various fields in the continent. Insurance had since been lost in the lower league where it appeared to have taken a chairmanship position.
Lack of proper football administrative structures are responsible for the perennial decline of Nigeria’s hitherto great clubs.
They will not imbibe structures that have seen clubs in Europe and other parts of the world become well sort brands that not just struggle to win titles, but are also profit inclined.
It is not limited to just Nigeria. African football fields are littered with the carcases of former great clubs that have either gone into extinction or barely struggling for survival.
While Europe and other parts of the world boast of time-tested club sides some almost clocking the century or even beyond, clubs in Africa hardly spend three decades before decadence sets in. Few examples are sufficient.
Oryx Douala of Cameroon, founded in April 1907 won the inaugural African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1964 after beaten Stade Malien of Mali.
They have also won five league titles and the Cameroon Cup three times, most of which came in the 1960s.
They were semi-finalists and quarter-finalists in the continental clubs competition in 1966 and 1968 respectively before fading out of reckoning. Today, the maiden African clubs champions are amateurs in the lower Cameroun league.
Tonnerre Kalara of Yaoundé is another former great club from Cameroon. At its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, the club won national championship five times, the same number of times it won the national cup.
It won the African Winners Cup (now Confederation Cup) in 1975 and runners-up in 1976. Among the club’s notable players was Roger Milla, who was voted the African Player of the Century in 2000.
Others include Rigobert Song and former FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah.
Canon Sportif de Yaoundé, commonly referred to as Canon Yaoundé, is another Cameroon football club based in Yaoundé. The club was formed in 1930.
Their most successful period was in the 1970s and 1980s when they were a dominant force in Cameroonian and African football, winning eight national championships, eight Cameroonian Cups, three African Champions’ Cups and one African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Across in West Africa are other former greats like Hafia of Guinea, Asante Kotoko of Ghana and Stade Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire. Hafia Football Club is based in Conakry.
In the 1960s the team was known as Conacry II, and won three titles under that name. It dominated the African football in the 1970s, winning the African Cup of Champion Clubs in 1972, 1975 and 1977.
By the 1980s, Hafia has faded out of continental reckoning, managing to reach the second round of the competition in 1983. Their city rivals, Horoya even had a shorter time on the continental stage, winning the African Winners Cup in 1978.
Perhaps the situation is more pronounced in Nigeria where an army of great football clubs have been relegated almost the position of anonymity in the continent. Super Stores, the fanatically supported Lagos club side, the first Nigerian side to feature in Africa’s inter-club competition has gone into extinction.
Enugu Rangers which got to the final of the 1975 African Cup of Champions Club and holders of the 1977 African Winners Cup waited for 33 years before winning a Nigerian title in 2016.
Bendel Insurance, winners of the CAF Cup in 1994 are struggling in the lower rung of the Nigerian league. There is therefore an urgent need to have a regulated structure for our clubs. Otherwise, the same clubs that are perceived to be doing well today, will go the way of Shooting Stars and others.
By Kunle Solaja.
The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season is heading for a dramatic climax, with both the title race and relegation dogfight finely poised following Matchday 34 fixtures.
At the top of the table, the contest for supremacy has tightened into a two-horse race between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC, who are locked on 55 points apiece after 33 matches. Rangers currently hold a superior goal difference (+15), giving them a slender edge in what promises to be a thrilling finish.
Rivers United, however, have a crucial opportunity to seize control when they host Plateau United FC, knowing that any slip by Rangers could swing momentum decisively in their favour. Rangers themselves face a tricky away tie against Niger Tornadoes FC, a side battling to steer clear of relegation trouble.
Just behind the leading duo, Ikorodu City FC and Abia Warriors FC remain within striking distance on 52 points. However, Abia Warriors suffered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance FC on Saturday, a result that not only boosted Insurance’s push into the top half but also dented Abia’s title ambitions.
Nasarawa United FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club, both on 50 points, are still mathematically in the race but may need near-perfect finishes and favourable results elsewhere to challenge for the top three positions. Shooting Stars face a pivotal clash against Kwara United, a fixture that carries significance at both ends of the table.
Relegation Battle Heats Up
While the title race grabs headlines, the struggle for survival is even more intense, with several clubs separated by just a few points at the bottom.
Kun Khalifat FC prop up the table with 36 points and face a must-win encounter against Warri Wolves. Anything less than victory could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Just above them, Wikki Tourists FC (37 points) and Kwara United (39 points, with a points deduction) are also in danger. Kwara United’s clash with Shooting Stars could prove decisive, while Wikki Tourists face a tough trip to Bayelsa United, another side not yet safe.
The relegation scrap extends further up the table, with Remo Stars, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba all hovering around the 40-point mark. Remo Stars face a daunting test against high-flying Barau FC, while Enyimba must navigate a tricky fixture against Katsina United FC.
Even traditionally strong sides like Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes FC are not entirely safe, highlighting the depth of the relegation battle this season.
Season Reaches Boiling Point
With just a handful of matches remaining, every fixture now carries enormous weight. The title contenders must maintain consistency under pressure, while those at the bottom are fighting for survival with equal desperation.
From the summit clash between Rangers and Rivers United to the survival scrap involving nearly half the table, the NPFL is set for a pulsating finale where both glory and heartbreak remain very much on the line.
MatchDay 34 Fixtures
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Bendel Insurance 1-0 Abia Warriors
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Shooting Stars V Kwara United
- Barau FC v Remo Stars
- Niger Tornadoes V Enugu Rangers
- Enyimba V Katsina United
- Bayelsa United V Wikki Tourists
- Ikorodu City V Kano Pillars
- Rivers United V Plateau United
- Kun Khalifat Fc V Warri Wolves
Monday, April 13, 2026
- El-Kanemi Warriors V Nasarawa United
| CLUBS | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Rangers International FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 55 |
| 2 | Rivers United FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 33 | 27 | 6 | 55 |
| 3 | Ikorodu City FC | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 34 | 30 | 4 | 52 |
| 4 | Abia Warriors FC | 34 | 15 | 7 | 12 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 52 |
| 5 | Nasarawa United FC | 33 | 14 | 8 | 11 | 31 | 27 | 4 | 50 |
| 6 | Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) | 33 | 15 | 5 | 13 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 50 |
| 7 | Bendel Insurance FC | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 39 | 34 | 5 | 49 |
| 8 | Plateau United FC | 33 | 14 | 4 | 15 | 37 | 36 | 1 | 46 |
| 9 | Katsina United FC | 33 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 46 |
| 10 | Warri Wolves | 33 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 43 |
| 11 | Barau FC | 33 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 43 |
| 12 | El-Kanemi Warriors FC | 33 | 12 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 38 | -10 | 43 |
| 13 | Niger Tornadoes FC | 33 | 12 | 6 | 15 | 34 | 31 | 3 | 42 |
| 14 | Kano Pillars (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 42 |
| 15 | Enyimba FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 37 | -2 | 40 |
| 16 | Bayelsa United FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 40 |
| 17 | Remo Stars FC | 33 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 34 | 41 | -7 | 40 |
| 18 | Kwara United (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 26 | 29 | -3 | 39 |
| 19 | Wikki Tourists FC | 33 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 30 | 37 | -7 | 37 |
| 20 | Kun Khalifat FC | 33 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 31 | 40 | -9 | 36 |
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Nigerian Football
NPFL Golden Boot Race: Obaje, Arumala Lead as Club-by-Club Breakdown Reveals Fierce Battle
By Kunle Solaja.
With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season entering its decisive stretch after Matchday 33, the race for the Golden Boot has not only remained intensely competitive but also reflects the attacking strength—and in some cases dependence—of several clubs.
At the top of the chart, Godwin Obaje (Enugu Rangers) and Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City) are tied on 11 goals, but a deeper club-by-club analysis shows contrasting attacking dynamics across the league.
Enugu Rangers: Obaje and Chidozie attacking edge
Rangers International stand out as the only club with two players in the top scorers’ bracket. Obaje’s 11 goals underline his role as the club’s primary finisher, but the presence of Iwundu Chidozie (9 goals) highlights a complementary attacking structure. Rangers’ ability to share goals between two reliable forwards could prove decisive both in the title race and in sustaining Obaje’s Golden Boot push.
Ikorodu City: Arumala’s breakout brilliance
For Ikorodu City, Joseph Arumala’s 11 goals represent more than just numbers; they define the club’s attacking identity. Unlike Rangers, Ikorodu City’s presence in the scoring chart is singular, suggesting a heavy reliance on Arumala. His continued form will be critical if the club is to maintain momentum in the closing weeks.
Katsina United: Collins carrying the torch
Uche Collins (10 goals) has been the standout performer for Katsina United. His contribution underscores a team that leans heavily on individual brilliance in attack. With no other teammate in the top scorers’ list, Collins remains central to Katsina’s offensive threat.
El-Kanemi Warriors: Abdulrahman’s consistency
Daddy Abdulrahman (10 goals) has provided El-Kanemi Warriors with a consistent source of goals. His tally reflects both durability and efficiency, especially in a side that has not spread its goals widely among multiple players.
Remo Stars: Mbaoma leading the charge
For Remo Stars, Victor Mbaoma (10 goals) continues to justify his reputation as a proven goal scorer. His presence among the top contenders is crucial for a team still balancing title ambitions with survival concerns in a surprisingly turbulent season.
Abia Warriors: Obioma’s attacking spearhead
Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma (10 goals) has emerged as Abia Warriors’ main outlet in front of goal. His performances highlight a system built around a focal striker capable of delivering in crucial moments.
Bendel Insurance: shared responsibility
Bendel Insurance boast a dual presence through Oweilayefa Alex (9 goals) and Kayode Oke (8 goals). This shared scoring responsibility reflects a more balanced attacking approach, reducing dependence on a single player and giving the team multiple goal threats.
Shooting Stars: depth in attack
Similarly, Shooting Stars have two players in the mix—Sodiq Ibrahim (9 goals) and Qamar Adegoke (8 goals). Their combined output suggests a diversified attacking system, which could be advantageous in the final run-in as defensive attention is split.
Wikki Tourist: Mairiga’s Lone Effort
Jonathan Mairiga’s return of nine goals underscores his role as Wikki Tourist’s primary attacking outlet this season. He is the club’s only player among the league’s leading scorers, highlighting a clear reliance on his finishing ability.
In a team where goals have not been widely shared, Mairiga has consistently shouldered the burden in the final third, often providing the decisive edge in tight matches. His contribution not only reflects personal form but also underlines Wikki Tourist’s need for greater attacking support as the season approaches its climax.
Warri Wolves: Evhierehurhoma’s impact
With Igbunu Evhierehurhoma (8 goals), Warri Wolves have relied on a single consistent scorer. His contributions have been vital in keeping the team competitive in tight matches.
Plateau United: Temitope’s steady return
Vincent Temitope (8 goals) has provided Plateau United with a dependable attacking outlet, maintaining relevance in the Golden Boot conversation despite not leading the chart.
Nasarawa United: Yusuf in contention
Anas Yusuf (8 goals) represents Nasarawa United’s attacking hopes, remaining within striking distance of the leaders in what could still become a late surge.
Enyimba: Michael flying the flag
For Enyimba, Chidera Michael (8 goals) is the club’s top performer in front of goal this season, reflecting a campaign where goals have not been heavily concentrated among multiple players.
A League Defined by Balance and Uncertainty
The distribution of top scorers across clubs reveals a league marked by competitive balance rather than dominance. While teams like Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Shooting Stars benefit from multiple contributors, others depend heavily on a single talisman.
With just a few matches remaining, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. The narrow gap between first and the chasing pack means that a single prolific performance could dramatically alter the standings.
As the NPFL season heads toward its climax, the battle for top scorer is shaping up not just as an individual contest, but as a reflection of each club’s attacking philosophy—whether built on collective strength or individual brilliance.
Top goal scorers as of matchday games 33
S/N PLAYER’S NAME CLUB NAME TOTAL 1 Godwin Obaje Rangers Int’l 11 2 Joseph Arumala Ikorodu City 11 3 Uche Collins Katsina United 10 4 Daddy Abdulrahman El-kanemi Warriors 10 5 Victor Mbaoma Remo Stars 10 6 Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma Abia Warriors 10 7 Oweilayefa Alex Bendel Insurance 9 8 Iwundu Chidozie Rangers Int’l 9 9 Sodiq Ibrahim Shooting Stars 9 10 Jonathan Mairiga Wikki Tourist 9 11 Igbunu Evhierehurhoma Warri Wolves 8 12 Vincent Temitope Plateau United 8 13 Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United 8 14 Kayode Oke Bendel Insurance 8 15 Qamar Adegoke Shooting Stars 8 16 Chidera Michael Enyimba Int’l 8
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Players and officials of Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have resumed camping in Abuja as preparations intensify for the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Several invited players arrived in camp on Monday, April 6, 2026, with full training sessions commencing the following day as the team began serious build-up toward the decisive fixtures. The technical crew has since engaged the squad in intensive drills focused on fitness, tactical organisation, and team cohesion, while awaiting the arrival of the remaining invitees.
At the team’s first training session, Head Coach Moses Aduku charged the players to approach the assignment with utmost seriousness, stressing the need for discipline, unity, and mental strength.
He reminded the squad of the magnitude of the task ahead as they prepared to confront a determined Malawi women’s national under-20 football team in the final qualifying round.
The players, in response, expressed confidence and readiness, with many eager to secure Nigeria’s place at the global tournament. Training sessions have continued at a high tempo, with the coaching crew keen on ensuring peak physical and tactical condition before the first leg.
Malawi booked their place in the final round after edging past Guinea-Bissau women’s national under-20 football team in their previous fixture, setting up what promises to be a keenly contested tie.
The Falconets will host the first leg in Nigeria on Saturday, May 2, before travelling for the return leg in Malawi a week later in a two-legged showdown that will determine qualification.
Africa will be represented by four teams at the tournament, scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to 26, 2026, adding further significance to the upcoming encounter for the Nigerian side, which is aiming to maintain its strong pedigree in global youth women’s football.
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