It was a night of frustration and heartbreak for Shooting Stars as they suffered a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Katsina United in their NPFL matchday 28 clash at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The decisive blow came seven minutes into stoppage time, courtesy of Ahmed Abdul Taofeek’s late strike, leaving the Oluyole Warriors stunned and empty-handed.
For head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, the loss was not just painful—it was “unfortunate.” Speaking after the match, he reflected on his team’s effort and the brutal circumstances they had to endure:
“The boys gave everything despite the challenges. We arrived just 24 hours before kickoff, and fatigue took its toll. They fought hard, but luck was not on our side.”
The defeat was more than just a bad result—it was the culmination of a grueling and exhausting journey. The team endured over 48 hours on the road from Ibadan to Katsina, facing multiple breakdowns due to mechanical issues with their bus. By the time they reached their destination, exhaustion had already set in.
This loss marks a significant setback for Shooting Stars’ ambition of securing a continental ticket. The team has now gone five matches without a win, slipping further behind in the title race. They remain third on the table with 48 points, trailing league leaders Remo Stars by 11 points with a game in hand.
Can the Oluyole Warriors bounce back and reignite their dream? Time is running out.
