Shooting Stars coach Nurudeen Aweroro marked a significant moment in his managerial journey in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after guiding his side to a 1-0 win over Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The Oluyole Warriors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Sodiq Ibrahim firing home in the ninth minute to give the visitors an early advantage. The striker was later forced off with an injury, but his goal stood firm as Shooting Stars dug deep to secure only their second away victory of the NPFL season.
Beyond the result, the afternoon carried personal meaning for Aweroro. The former Ikorodu City tactician, who took charge in Ibadan before the start of the campaign, reached his 50th NPFL match as a manager. According to figures shared by @NPFL_News on 𝕏, his overall league record now reads 24 wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats.
Shooting Stars’ season has steadily taken shape under his leadership. After 17 matches, they have recorded seven wins, five draws and five losses, a run that leaves them seventh on the table with 26 points and firmly in touch with the leading pack.
The Kano victory was one of several talking points from a busy NPFL Matchday 17. Abia Warriors snatched a 1-0 win away to Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, with Suraju Lawal striking late to decide the contest. Enyimba were in fine form at home, brushing aside Kwara United 3-1 as Samuel Agu found the net and Chidera Michael helped himself to two goals.
In Benin City, Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Niger Tornadoes delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, cruising to a 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, with Rickson Mendos scoring twice and Azeez Akintunde also on target.
Bayelsa United produced a spirited comeback in Yenagoa, overturning an early deficit to beat defending champions Remo Stars 2-1. Victor Mbaoma had given Remo the lead in the 14th minute, but goals from Fabby Clark and Emo James swung the match in Bayelsa’s favour.
Elsewhere, there was little to separate Plateau United and Nasarawa United in Jos, while Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars also played out a goalless draw in Ozoro.
NPFL Matchday 17 Results
Bendel Insurance 1 Enugu Rangers 1
Plateau United 0 Nasarawa United 0
Niger Tornadoes 3 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Enyimba 3 Kwara United 1
Kun Khalifat FC 0 Abia Warriors 1
Bayelsa United 2 Remo Stars 1
Barau FC 0 Shooting Stars 1
Warri Wolves 0 Kano Pillars 0
Upcoming Fixtures
Ikorodu City vs Katsina United, today, 4 p.m.
Rivers United vs Wikki Tourists, today, 4 p.m.
