Bayelsa United delivered a dominant performance on Friday evening, securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Shooting Stars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 33 clash at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. The Prosperity Boys showcased their fine form and tactical superiority against a Shooting Stars side grappling with off-field challenges.
From the opening whistle, Bayelsa United took control of the encounter, applying relentless pressure that kept Shooting Stars on the back foot. Early chances from Yusuf Issah and Kehinde Malik tested goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, while Ezekiel Clinton’s quick reflexes denied Shooting Stars a surprise lead in the 14th minute. Controversy briefly marred the game when Lawal handled the ball outside his area but escaped with only a yellow card, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
Bayelsa United’s breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Ifeanyi Ogba expertly converted Wisdom Magbisa’s lofted pass to give the hosts a deserved lead. Moments later, Ogba nearly doubled his tally with a curling effort that narrowly missed. The second goal arrived in the 41st minute through Magbisa, who finished off a slick interchange by slipping the ball through Lawal’s legs.
The second half saw Bayelsa United maintain their dominance. Ogba turned provider in the 49th minute, delivering a precise cross for Malik to score the third goal. Despite late efforts from Rabiu Abdullahi and Magbisa that failed to add to the scoreline, Bayelsa United remained firmly in control, extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches.
This emphatic win lifts Bayelsa United to 9th place on the NPFL table with 45 points from 33 matches, just one point behind Enyimba and five points away from continental qualification spots. Shooting Stars, meanwhile, remain on 48 points but have now managed only one win in their last ten league games.
The defeat compounds Shooting Stars’ mounting woes. Earlier this week, the club was fined N5 million by the NPFL disciplinary committee following violent incidents during their match against Ikorodu City. Additionally, they were expelled from the Federation Cup for fielding ineligible players, further deepening their crisis. With fans barred from attending home games and an upcoming clash against league leaders Remo Stars looming, Shooting Stars face significant challenges both on and off the pitch.
Bayelsa United will next travel to Kaduna for a Sunday encounter with Niger Tornadoes, while Shooting Stars must regroup ahead of their crucial match at an empty Lekan Salami Stadium.
