*Shooting Stars vs Bendel Insurance: Late Drama Rocks the NPFL*

Shooting Stars left it late to claim a thrilling 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Friday, according to Guardian’s NPFL page. With the game still goalless deep into the second half, the hosts found their breakthrough in the closing minutes and held on through a tense finish.

The Turning Point

For much of the match, both sides struggled to turn their chances into goals. The deadlock finally ended in the 84th minute, when Olakunle Akala found the net and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Bendel Insurance pushed for an equaliser, but Shooting Stars struck again in stoppage time. Qamar Adegoke doubled the lead, giving the hosts some breathing room just when it seemed the visitors might still find a way back. Bendel Insurance did manage to score a late consolation goal, adding a final twist to the closing moments, but Shooting Stars saw out the match to secure all three points.

Table Impact and Team Mood

The result gives Shooting Stars a timely boost. They move up to seventh place with 18 points from 13 games, while Bendel Insurance remain second on 21 points. The visitors will be disappointed to leave Ibadan without a point, especially after missing the chance to narrow the gap to the teams above them.

Shooting Stars can now turn their attention to a demanding away trip against Enugu Rangers. After a win decided in the final minutes, the team will head into that fixture with renewed confidence, though the challenge will be a significant one.

Why Fans Still Care

This is the kind of result that keeps Nigerian league football exciting. A match can feel settled for long stretches, then change completely in the space of a few minutes. Late goals, fierce competition, and the emotion in the stands are part of what makes the NPFL so compelling for its supporters. On Friday, Shooting Stars gave their fans plenty to celebrate—and Bendel Insurance were left wondering what might have been.